Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 1025) (1897 03 16)
The text was read from the page scans by machine (OCR), so it has mistakes and its columns may run together. See the pages · About this title · At the Internet Archive
Page 1
\\ , NN = {| ia Sa al $2.50 a Year. No. 1026. THE VULTURE, THREE-QUARTERS OF A MILE ASTERN, W HAPTER I. THE RETURN IN IRONS. ONBE pleasant autumn afternoon, in the year 18—, an armed vessel was majestic- filly sailing toward the land, and heading for % haven within the rock-bound harbor of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Though several miles yet lay between the Vessel and her destined haven of safety \\ \ PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, No, 92 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK, = = = ~S and rest, her decks were crowded’ with officers and crew, all gazing with interest upon the outlined land, with the glittering spires of Portsmouth in the distance, for in the city were many who were anxiously watching and waiting for the return home of the bold mariners. Though joy shone on nearly every face on the vessel’s decks, yet it was a joy mingled with sadness and a certain awe, as ever and AS KEEPING UP A RAPID i ot ot tt sl an lo a Copyrighted 1897, by BEADLE AND ADAMS. Price, 5 cents, THE FLYING YANKEE; ee FIRE UPON THE FLYING VESSEL. anon the eyes of officers and seamen would fall upon a shrouded casket resting amid- Ships, infolded in a large flag, and upon either side of which paced a marine with solemn tread; for beneath the ensign rested a human form, whom the loud and ringing cry of ‘‘ Land ho!’”’ had not startled, Above the decks of the vessel—which was a large brig-of-war, well armed and manged —the flags floated at half-mast,
Page 2
. will state plainly that the } 3 —<—<———_________ - main pier, “Shove off from the shore, Pierson, and lay on your oars; under no ciscumstances hold communica- tion with the townspeople until my return,”’ said the afficer, in a low tone, to the coxswain, as he sprung ‘upon the shore and beckoned the midshipman to ' follow him. Silently threading the dimly-lighted streets of _ Portsmouth, the officers walked rapidly along, as if _ familiar with them,.until they came to the main thoreughfare, whereon stood a large and massive Srick mansion. “The commodore has company, doubtless, Cal- vin,” said the elder officer, as the two entered the eg and glanced upon the windows, which shed ea a blaze of light, while merry voices came from thin. * Yes, sir; it’s a pity to mingle grief with pleasure,” wswered the young reefer, as he raised the brass <nocker and let it fall with a heavy bang. A negro servant in blue yoy opened the door, and observing the uniforms of the visitors, said, po- litely: ‘ = Wak n, gentlemen; the dancing is about to be- ‘“We are not here for enjoyment, my man; lead us to a room where we can see Commodore Cutting in private,” quickly answered the lieutenant, for such rank the light shining upon his uniform showed him to hold; and,in obedience the servant led the way into asm m upon the left of the hallway, and bidding the gentlemen be seated, asked: ain bei am I to tell the commodore wishes to see m 99 , “Say simply two officers.” ‘Yes, sir,” and the black disappeared, and in five minutes more the door opened, and there entered a man of massive frame and _ distinguished bear- , clad in the uniform of a United States naval cer, “Ha! am I to welcome home again Lieutenant Ainslie, of the Vulture, and you also, Mr. Bernard?” said Commodore Cutting, as he advanced into the room and gave each visitor his hand, in a frank, cor- dial manner. ‘*Yes, commodore; the brig has just drop an- ahor, after two years’ abseuce from home,” said Lieutenant Alden Ainslie, a young man _of fine ap- pearance, with a manly form and open, daring face, ronzed by long exposure at sea. “Then why came not Captain Duncan, to report, th person, his arrival?” “Commodore Cutting, it is with pain I inform you that Captain Duncan is dead.” "2 + Dead! Horace Duncan dead? When did he “He met his death ere we sailed from Havana, now lies wu oN, brig, for I deter- urial, you in command of the brig?” “Bear with me, Commodore Cutting, and I will explain all; and to do so, will say that a coldness ex- isted between Captain Duncan and Lieutenant Mon- arief from the one of our sai from Portsmouth, “The cause of this ill-feeling I am ignorant of, but hp gee upon numerous eccasions, was very severe in his manner toward Noel Moncrief, who, in the eyes of all else aboard ship, certainly did his duty; but, be that as it may, five weeks ago, in Havana, while Captain Duncan and Lieutenant Moncrief were ashore, and I in com- mand of the brig, Mr. Bernard informed me that Lieutenant Moncrief had slain €aptain Duncan in a duel.” ‘Killed his superior officer ina duel? Do I hear aight Mr. Ainslie?” . Yes, Commodore Cutting; Captain Du.can and Lieutenant Moncrief met at the American coffee- Souse ashore; words passed between them, and the wesult was a challenge—” ' “Who sent the challenge?” * Lieutenant Moncrief gave it.” “Bad, very bad," muttered the old commander, musingly. ? eye ate, I fear so; but I will let Mr. Bernard re- fate the circumstances, as he was the second of Lieu- genant Monerief.” ‘Indeed! A pretty pass are our midshipmen com- ing to! You, then, carried the challenge, sir?” and Commodore Cutting turned sternly upon the youn reefer, who unflinchingly met his gaze, and re in a firm voice: : “There was no challenge carried, sir; I was with Lieutenant Montcrief, when we met Captain Duncan and a French officer, the commander of a man-of- waz then in the harbor. | * Oupt uncan made some remark to Mr. Mon- crief; hk it was, I do not know, and the lieutenant answered: ““*Tf you were a brave man, Captain Duncan, you would give me a chance to resent your language and conduct toward me “J will do so when and where you please,’ an- - gwered Captain Duncan, and Lieut ) replied: ‘As we sail to-night, let it be now; you have a friend with a rs with your permission, “‘dship- ™ act for me,’ t ie . here, came to me and - | Noel ere the young officer ag .| Portsmouth harbor, ar At was a great favorite | enant Moncrief. On ee nes a permission; so let us take car-_ = our swords,’ “SAy, ay, sir,’ answered Mr. Moncrief, and half an hour afterward we were in a retired spot near Ha- vana,and I, having arranged the preliminaries with the French officer, Captain Duncan and Lieutenant Moncrie* were soon engaged in a fierce encounter.” re ey Heaven! this is a strange and sad affair.”’ “Yes, sir, and one I was powerless to interrupt; but, to continue: Lieutenant Moncrief soon disarmed Captain Duncan and spared his life; but the captain demanding another bout, the lieutenant ran him through the heart in a very few minutes,” “Terrible! terrible! thus Setter ing their lives and their reputations; but go on, sii.” ‘“*T immediately returned to the city with the body of the captain, and ty ge ship informed Lieu- tenant Ainslie of what had happened, and he went to the hotel where Lieutenant Moncrief told me he would await him.” ; “Yes, commodore,’’ said Lieutenant Ainslie, “I immediately went ashore and ordered Captain Dun- can’s body to be embalmed, for removal home, and found Lieutenant Moncrief awaiting me.” ‘He did not attempt to escape, then?”’ “No, sir; he surrendered himself, and of course I was comp ‘led to put him in irons, to bring him back or “You did right, sir; it is a sad affair, and will bring great gloom upon our community; but, Mr. Bernard, though I do not censure you as much as I did at first, still you are not exonerated from blame in this matter, and I command you to return to your ship, and there consider yourself a prisoner until er orders.” The young reefer bowed without a word, and turn- ed to leave the room, while the lieutenant, who was yt to follow him, was called back by the commo- ore. “The news you bring has cast adamper on my evening, Mr. Ainslie, for we were. having a little mer- rymaking in my parlors; but I still would be happy of your company.” _ “Thanks, commodore; I had better return aboard ship, for there are those present who would eagerly ask me about the captain and lieutenant,” “True, true; let the matter be kept quiet until the morrow, and then I will come on board. Poor, poor Duncan; poor, poor Moncrief; I feel deeply, alike for the li and the dead,”’ and so saying, the vete- ran commodore, and commander of the naval forces in and about Portsmouth harbor, warmly shook the hand of the young lieutenant, and after seeing him depart, returned to the gayeties within doors. CHAPTER I. MONCRIEF MANOR. In the early part of the present century there stood upon the shores of a beautiful, forest-encircled bay; a few miles above the city of Portsmouth, a lo old mansion built of stone, and surrounded by majes- tic trees and rolling green =m that ended only at the waterside to the eas and stretched away land- ward for miles, for it was a grand old rep ge ew home of one of the proudest and wealthiest of 4 oe families. ith every comfort and luxury that riches could urchase, lived in that stately mansion Governor rennin S ee his two sons, Hot co} yr beet strangely alike in appearance, but totally differen in character; for Noel, who was the elder, was gene- rous and noble, while C mce was of a more studi- ous nature, gentle as a woman in manner, and loved his ks more than his horse, hounds and guns. Left a widower seven years after his marriage, Governor Moncrief had seemed almost broken-heart- ed at the loss of his wife, and resigning his high of- ficial position, had retired to his country seat, to devote himself to the careful training of hissons, and that they might have every advantage for their cul- tivation, physically and mentally, he engaged for them instructors in literature, fencing, riding, and filled the library with all kinds of books, the study- hall with guns, pistols, and swords, and the stables with horses, while .yon the bay were a yacht, sail- boats and row-boats without number. Thus was nothing neglected in the training of these two youths, and when Noel had reached his sixteenth year he was an adept in every manly sport, as well as a fair scholar, while Clarence was more studious, ad still a proficient in using sword or pistol, sail- 4 a boat or per a a horse. : he result of this training caused Noel to urged his father to get him into the navy as a midshipman and such a berth the influence of Governor Moncrie easily obtained for his son, and thus at seventeen the eldest brother had entered the service of his country, leaving Clarence at home with his father, Five years passed away after the departure of ain trod his native soil, for the vessel to which he had been ordered ues receiving his wp een had sailed for the Medi- terranean sea, from whence, after a cruise of two ears, it had been sent to the South American wa- ters to make war upon the piratical crafts which had of late been attacking American commerce. As soon as the anchor had been dropped in the with his commander and brother officers, as well as the crew, obtained leave to take a four-oared cutter and row up to the homestead, preferring to go that way to driving out with a hired team across country. It was just after dark when the cutter shoved away from the side of the frigate, and 4 the men with a hearty supper, plenty of Grog, and a comfortable night’s | gy, they. bent with veer to their oars and soon left the lights of the city far astern, and wended their way rapidly along the #' —— wo Our bravest and best officers - darkly-wooded shores, Noel at the helm, for he haa relieved the coxswain of the duty, well knowing every curve of the channel. On glided the boat for an hour or more, and then turned into the bay that washed the shores whereon the mansion stood, and ere long the lights from the windows gleamed brightly forth over the waters, welcoming the wanderer home after his years of ab- sence. “Rest on your oars, men,”’ suddenly ordered Noel; as he was obeyed, and the steady dash of tho blades in the water and click, click in the row-locks ceased, there came wafted upon the summer wind over the quiet bay the sound of a bird-like voice singing some beautiful ballad, while, also distinctly heard, was the low thrumming of a guitar. Entranced, all listened to the strains of melody floating on the wind, now rising clear and ring 7%, now falling low and thrilling, until the caden¢: #”: fected even the seamen, and brought a tear of 49 14- athy, caused by some bygone memory, to trickle own the bronzed cheeks, forest trees. As he placed his foot upon the first step of the . broad stairway, there came once more the low notes of a guitar, and again the same rich voice of a woman welled fo upon the air, and this time anene 8 ballad dear to his childhood years, and one which he had often heard his mother sing. } “Who can she be?” he murmured, as she ceased, and then he continued: “Be she old or young, ugly or beautiful, married or single, I love her for the music in her voice; but if I stand here I shall never know,” and so saying he walked gently up the stairway, and stood upon the broad piazza that encircled the mansion. Through an open window his eyes fell upon the form of a maiden, seated upon a low divan and holding upon her lap a guitar, over the strings of which her fingers were idly straying. The form was that of a maiden of seventeen, pei- haps, with eyes of the deepest blue, lashes lo dark and sweeping, and a brow arched and we marked; the complexion was pure, white and beau- tifully tinted with health, the features perfect in mold, the teeth pearl-white and shining between the ruby lips, which were parted as she warbled a few sweet notes. The form was graceful, slight and beautiful, though a shadow above the average hight of beauti- ful women, while the hair hung in golden masses around her shoulders, for she had unloosened it from the heavy silver comb that lay upon the divan beside er. Noel stood like one spellbound and gazed upon this vision of beauty before him, and his eyes in loveliness he had never before beheld in all his wan Cornet and mingling with the belles of foreign nds, With the impulsiveness of his nature, he Sprune pag pw suddenly before the young girl, and said, gallantly: “Has the Moncrief Manor become a Paradise, that I behold au angel dwelling here?”’ With a slight start and a quick bound the maiden was upon her feet, her beautiful eyes staring with deer-like wonder; but, as if realizing her position, that she had only been surprised a an exceedingly handsome young man, with superb form, flashing earnest eyes, and darkly -bronzed face, that blended well with the brown mustache and waving hair, she wie Pe mischievously, while she gazed upon his uniform: ‘“ Were the Moncrief Manor a Paradise, sir, one of nd at must certainly have gotten astray to cross its portals.”’ , ‘““T ery you mercy, sweet angel—” “My name is Eve, Sir Flatterer,” “Eve, Eve! Then Ido not wonder at Adam having been tempted to partake of forbidden fruit if—” “Worse and worse! I declare you are incorrigible, but, joking aside, 1am Eve Eldred, a ward of Gov ernor Moncrief, and you are—” “Who, fair lady?” : ** Noel Moncrief.”” “True; I have but just returned home, to find a bright change has come over the mansion, for [knew not of your presence here, a presence that I know has brought sunshine upon the old hom 1s “There, no more compliments, Mr. Moncriet; but come in and allow me to do the honors in the ab- © sence of your father, whom, J presume, you have not met as you come alone.” ** No; he is not here then?” gies oe rab he left on hour since, Eg learned from a servant a man-of-war was Co’ - up ; and he expected your vessel home about this time.” “Yes, she has just ba town; but Clarence, my brother, where is he?” G You are indeed like a stranger in a strange anchor in front of the |
Page 3
= a seen ogra mot to know your brother entered the navy a year | | favorably than all the looks and speeches of the since.” ““Gone into the navy, Miss Eldred? Why, what could have come over the boy to have thus changed | his views?” “Tt must have been hearing of your distinguished services and rapid promotion,” replied the maiden, ae and then, she continued quickly: “T hear wheels upon the drive; your father has re- “turned.” A moment after, a tall dignified man stepped from a carriage and quickly ascended the stairway, the next moment to greet with a warm, fatherly welcome his long-absent son, ‘Stand off, Noel, and let me lookupon you. Why. you are now a magnificent-looking man, even if your father does say it; and, boy, I am proud of you, for your gallant services are known to all; but, how is it I find you here, when I went to meet you?” “Tcame ina cutter from the vessel, sir; and thay reminds me, I must look after the comfort of my men, who now await me at the pier.” “Certainly; let Thomas go after them and give them supper and comfortable quarters. Eve, my dear, will you tell Thomas, and also see to preparing ‘tea for this wanderer.” “ Certainly, sir; I was just intending to do so, when you arrived,’’ answered the young girl, as she arose cand left the room, “Father, to what lucky circumstance do you owe ‘the presence of that lovely creature in the mansion?”’- -asked Noel, as she disappeared, ‘“*Ha, my boy, you are also doomed, I fear. She is the daughter of General Eldred, who you know was a dist hed officer in the Revolution, and upon his deathbed, two years ago, he made me the guardian, as well of her property as herself, for she is an heiress. ‘This is vacation, and she is now at the mansion for the second time; the first time, Clarence had just cae | home from college, and they became great riends.” s Clarence is now in the navy, Miss Eldred tells a ‘ “Yes; he gave me no rest until I obtained a posi- tion for him, and he is now on a foreign cruise; but, really, I believe Eve drove him there, for she doats on the service, and spoke so highly of you—” ‘Of me, father?” “Yes, it was about the time you captured that pirate schooner, with accounts of which the papers awere full, and, finding that Eve would not love him, poor Clarence left home to endeavor to forget her, or to strive to win her by a gallant naval career; but, -here she comes, and I warn you, Noel, not to let her steal your heart, for every man in Portsmouth is in Jove with her.” “T do not doubt it, sir,’ answered Noel, as he obeyed the call of Eve, and entered the supper- Soa where he found a substantial meal awaiting him. CHAPTER ITI. THE FALSE FRIEND, Uron account of their 8 cruise, the officers of ‘the man-of-war, to which } oel Moncrief was at- “tached, were given by the Secretary of War a leave of absence for three months, and this time the young lieutenant intended passing at home, in the ‘society of his father and the lovely Eve, in whom, at first sight, he had been most deeply interested. With a character as lovely as her person, Eve Eldred ge the hearts of ¥ who knew her, ‘young or old, and, strange to say, for among women } is an exception, she was most popular with her own sex. Young, beautiful, an heiress, it was not to be won- dered at that Eve soon found herself surrounded b, hosts of admirers, all willing to offer their hands an fortunes, or, if poor, to share with her their humble earnings. But to all the maiden had turned _a deaf ear, al- though some surmised that Clarence Moncrief would be the fortunate winner of the prize, : True, he was her most constant companion, and seemed to idolize her very footprints; but then it was natural for him to be much with her, as, being the adopted daughter of Governor Moncrief, the two were daily associates. : Yet Eve Eldred bestowed upon Clarence Moncrief only the affection of a sister, and this the young man soon discovered, to his great mortification, while he listened with real ill-feeling to her praises of his brother Noel, then absent in the service of his coun- try. Kt length, finding that his love appeared hopeless, Clarence determined to strive to win the heart of the fair maiden beneath the uniform of a naval offi- cer, and gave his father no rest until he had gained for him a position in the navy, which the governor had obtained through his great influence with gov- ernment, although the young man was rather too old for the berth of a m er, peony Delighted at his success, Clarence had left home and, a year before the return of Noel, had departed upon a foreign cruise, hoping that upon his return, _ he would be able to win Eve to love him. Yet, though Eve had turned a listless ear to the en- treaties of Clarence, it was soon evident that the handsome, daring brother, Noel Moncrief, was not indifferent to her, for hardly had the young lieuten- _ ant been at home a month ere the two were deeply in love, the one with the other, so rapidly ‘oes love work havoc in the human heart. , Noel compared Eve with all the lovely women he had known, from the Germar baroness to the Span- ; ish senorita, and candidly confessed to himself that hs one of them would com fath hile E bi Iona fo er; while Eve, upon her part, cor heart that the dark, earnest eyes, and fasvinat- | ciety of The Flying Yankee. ing smile of Noel certainly impressed her more 1ers and ordinary citizens whom she had met, and they were not a few, for her father, General Eldred, always had lived in the city of Washington up to the time of his death. Thus were the two desperately in love, for Eve ac- companied Noel on horseback-rides, drives, boating excursions, and even went hunting with him some- generals, commodores, judges, titled forei | times, while for indoor amusement thay sung to- ether, for both had fine'voices, sketched together, or each was a Yair amateur artist, and read to- gether. This was dangerous sport for two young, hand- some and generous natured people, as we all know, or should know, reader mine, and the result was just what Governor Moncrief predicted—a love- match that ended in an engagement, Governor Moncrief willingly gave his consent— though with a pang at thought of the pain it would eause poor Clarence upon his return; but then, he felt that Eve loved Noel and not Clarence, and there- fore no one was to blame in the matter, excepting the little god Cupid, who, in shooting his love-ar- rows into the heart of Clarence, had instilled them with the poison of unrequited affection. The governor, however, stipulated that the maiden must return to school, where she had before been, in New York, and complete her education, while Noel. must once more start forth upon a foreign cruise, and endeavor to win the rank of a captain ere he became a Benedict. . Both the lovers agreed to this, for Eve wished to complete her studies, and Noel was also anxious to win promotion, and already knew that he was to sail, ere long, as the executive officer of a brig-of- war commanded by Horace Duncan, one of his most intimate friends, and he did not doubt, from the ser- vice for which the vessel was destined, but that he could win by gallant service a step higher up the grade of promotion that would make him a captain. The brig-of-war was then being fitted out at Ports- mouth, and two months before the time for sailing, Captain Horace Duncan arrived, to superintend person the preparing of his vessel for'sea. Horace Duncan was the senior, by ten years, of Noel Moncrief, but when on a foreign station the two had met and become great friends, although one was a and the other only a midshipman at that time. Captain Duncan was an able officer, had distin- guished himself upon several occasions, and though proud and severe, was nevertheless quite’ popular with his messmates and crew. Possessing a striking appearance, and a fair amount of wealth, and family influence to a great extent, he had a brilliant career before him in the service of his country, and his heart throbbed with pride and pleasure when he received orders to take command of the brig-of-war. Arriving at Portsmouth, he was doubly rejoiced to find that Noel Moncrief was to be second in com- mand, for he well knew the worth of his young friend, while pee to meet again his former com- anion, Noel had at once invited him to Moncrief nor, to become his guest untll the day set for sail- ing, saying he could drive or row to the city every day, to look after the fitting out of the brig. Horace Duncan readily accepted the invitation, es- pecially when it was urged by the governor, and at once removed his traps out to the mansion, Then for the first time he met Eve Eldred, and from the moment of that meeting became her slave, for he madly loved her. But, instead of being purified by his love for the beautiful and noble girl, his heart became callous to the promptings of honor, and when he knew that she loved Noel, from that moment he secretly hated his enerous-hearted lieutenant, and determined to tear ; om him, by fair or foul means, the maiden of his ove. With every noble impulse deadened within him, he set to work secretly to destroy the love of the maiden for Noel, and in other cases, where love was less strong, might have succeeded by his many inuendoes cast upon the character of his lieutenant; but, with a woman’s penetration and knowledge of human na- ture, Eve saw through the work of Horace Duncan, and at once made known to Noel all that had been said, and the true character of his supposed friend, Noel had not suspected aught of Horace Duncan: but when his eyes were opened to his villainy, he be- came thoroughly aroused and determined to demand an explanation of his unwarrantable conduct in thus abusing the privilege of a guest, to injure him with the woman of his love, : Just as he had come to this determination, Horace Duncan entered the room, holding in his hand an of- ficial-looking document, while he said, quickly; “Noel, I have just received orders from the Secre- tary of the Navy to sail at once for the Caribbean Sea, where Iam to be sent on the service of pirate-, hunting, and most fortunate is it that you are to_be with me, for your knowledge of these waters is, I be- lieve, considerable.”’ Noe], Monerief choked back the words that had risen to his lips, and as the orders to depart would take Coneein Dunean and himself away from the so- ve, he determined not to speak upon the matter to his commander, though he felt that he could never again be friends with him. we have to go, captain, although the tend to sail?” ' “Tana glad orders are sudden; when do you * To-morrow night; and now I must take my leave of your father and Miss Eldred, for my duties aboard ship will keep me busy,” and in half an hour more Horace Duncan was driving to Portsmouth; while his heart was filled with bitter hatred tow Noel, and the determination to, in some way, get |. rid of him during the voyage, that he might return and claim Eve as his bride. The next morning Noel bade farewell to his father and Eve, and by noon was on board the brig-of-war, which soon after weighed anchor, and stood out of the harbor before a light breeze, Gliding quietly along, while her captain was in the. cabin, preparing his t. dispatches to send ashore by the ape: Noel, who was in command of the deck. descried a small gues. Breed standing out from the oer coast, an rig. In the skiff were two persons, one of whom stood in the bow and waved toward the brig, as if to at- tract the attention of those on board. “Let her luff, helmsman; more yet, for I would speak yonder boat,” said Noel, and in a few mo- ments the light skiff was alongside and a rope thrown to the occupants, “Well, sir, what excuse have you for boarding one of Uncle Sam’s sea warriors in this style?’ said Noel, to one of the men who sprung upon the brig’s deck, “T have an important letter, sir, for Lieutenant Moncrief.”’ ‘Ha! Tam Noel Moncrief; give it me.” The fisherman drew from his pocket a letter, and handing it to Noel, said: “A young lady came down to the shore on horse- back, a short while ago, and gave me the letter, and said she would give me a gold ten if I would sail out and head off the brig, so that you might get it.”’ *“You have done well, my man, and here is a twin gold-piece for you; but hold, there may be an answer.”’ ‘No, sir; she went right away, and said there wag no answer.” “Allright; go to the mansion of Governor Mon- crief, seek the agg lady, and let her know you de- livered the package.” “T will, sir; thank you, lieutenant, for the gold, and a pleasant cruise and safe return to you,” an- swered the fisherman, politely, as he sprung into hia skiff, which at once fell astern of the gh Too thorough an officer to neglect his duties, to read what he believed only a last kind word from Eve, Noel devoted himself wholly to the care of the brig until she was heading on her southward course, when he called to Lieutenant Ainslie, the next officer in command, and bade him hold the deck while he went to his own state-room. 4 There he hastily broke the seal and read in the handwriting of Eve, as follows: ‘“* Moncrier Manor. “My Own Noreu:—Believing there would be no fur- ther communication with the shore, Captain Horace Duncan had the impudence to send me the note which I inclose for your perusal, ‘“* Determined to prove to you his falsity as a man of honor and a friend, I have ordered my horse, to ride to a point on the coast which I know the brig will poe © send this to you by some fisherman. ‘But, Noel, promise me, I beg of you, that you will only act toward Captain Duncan a8 his superior rank demands, and in no way allow him to know the knowledge yeu possess. “Feeling you will do this, for my sake, and urging you to well your life, believe me, , ‘Ever devotedly yo heading so as to meet the urs “ive Exprep.” With a dark brow, Noel folded the letter, and then turned to the one inclosed, which was written in the bold hand of Horace Duncan, and read: - Bata Ons eed ee Portsmouth Harbor, “Miss Evz ELprep—Lapy:—Without again telling you .of the deep and never-ch love I feel for 4 let me now, in this parting hour, and with no eeling of envy or jealousy, warn you against the man to whom you are betrothed. **T have known Noel Moncrief for years, and dark indeed are the stains upon his character, which, if known to you, I feel would at once cause you to tear his image from your memory. “Now, I cannot say more, and it is with pain I speak against one that has been my kind host; but to save you is my excuse, and believe me, upon m return home, I will prove to you, and to the worl all that I say regarding him. “Trusting the seed of distrust I have sown will bring forth good fruit, and thus save you from ruin in the end, believe me, i * With esteem and love, “ Horace Duncan,” “Horace Duncan, a bitter ending will come to bas — or me, for this.” Noel glanced welckiy = and saw standing before him his commander, his face pale with rage. I “You heard my words, Captain Duncan, and you see in my hands your letter to Miss Eldred; hence- forth between you and me only shall there be the courtesy due to duty.” ‘* Where did you get that letter?” Rite. fisherman brought it to me, half an hour ce.” ; . “Then you know me, Noel Moncrief?” “ Ay, that I do, Horace Duncan; but between us let there be no quarrel, until the end of this cruise, for our services are at present devoted to our coun- try, and as my commander I will obey your every order,” and Noel gazed sternly into the face of the, , man before him. ** So be it.” Thus it was the good brig Vulture started forth * upon her vo: age, with her captain and_ lieutenant feeling the bitterest hatred for each other in their hearts, though outwardly there appeared to be & friendly understanding between them. — ii
Page 4
_ gach, moved to get a bet { AY wa n> ¢ ————e— Gi) on, ee SS CHAPTER IV. THE SEAMAN’S DEVOTION. HAvina made the reader aware of the circum- stance of the flags of the brig-of-war Vulture being at haiz-mast, and explained who it was resting beneath the funeral canopy upon her decks, I will now con- tinue on with my story, are hen the thread where it was broken, to present to the reader’s eye those “characters, in this romance who are most conspicu- ously nrought forward. Standing by the brig’s gangway, as Lieutenant Ainslie and Midshipman Bernard descended into the evitter to be rowel ashore, was a tall, ungainly sea- man, whose appearance was only remarkable for its pecul iarivy. Over six feet in hight, awkwardly but powerfully formed, with long, swinging arms aoa: immense breadth ot chest, the man’s appearance indicated great strength, without any sign of agility, to the casual observer; but, though looking awkward and lumbering, his every motion was catlike in quick- ness, and hia dark, restless eyes were ever on the ext, Though remarkable in form, the face of the indi- vidual was eve: more remarkable, for the head was small, the mouth immense and overhung by an en- ormous nose, while the eyes were bright, large, and as beautiful in expression as a woman's, Who the man yas, where he hailed from, or what was his name, nore knew, for he had been found aboard the brig when she sailed from Portsmouth,- _ gave no account oy himself, and only said, when the paymaster asked h!s name: “Put me down as Stranger, please, sir.” And as Stranger he was entered upon the brig’s rojl, as a first-class seaman, for such he soon proved himself to be. Inoffensive, and hojcing friendly intercourse with mone of the crew, the seamen soon began to jibe him upon his awkward form and ugliness, all of which Stranger bore without a word, until, upon one occa- sion, a party of his messmates made some aad remarks upon his parenvage, and as quick as a flas of Sant he sprung into their midst. seized the two insulters in his powerful ®*-:, aud hurled them overboard inte t= 2, “™e- . uverboard!” rung the cry; the brig was prought up into the wina, a boat was lowered, and the two men were saved and brought aboard, both, however, fearfully soe greg An investigation of the matter caused Captain Duncan to order Stranger up to the mast, to be pun- ished with the ‘‘cat'”—a punishment he received, in spite of the earnest entreaties of Lieutenant Mon- crief, and other officers, in his behalf. ' Stranger took the lash without a murmur, and when released, stepped forward, took the hand of Noel Moncrief, raised it.to his lips silently, and walked forward, the simple ace causing a sneer upon the face of Horace Duncan, wuile others were deeply touched by this simple mode o/ thanks. A few months more, and aguin Stranger became an object of ridicule among messmates, and, un- mindful of his former punishment, he was about to ring ite his foes, when the ringing voice of Noel oncrief, who was officer of the deck, and wit- messed the whole affair, restrained him, and, like a whipped schoolboy, he slunk away. **Mr, Bernard, have that gang of seamen walked aft here, sir,” called out Noel to the young reefer, and he pointed to the men who had been teasing the deformed seaman, The order was quickly obeyed, and five of the crew, those whom Noel had marked as the offenders, were + brought aft, arid the young lieutenant said, in stern 168; ¥ mE Men, Iam going to have no more of this worry brought upon a poor unfortunate man, whom God has not made as well formed as you are; some months o Stranger was severely punished for defendin ‘himself, when driven to madness by your taunts, an now intend you shall suffer the same punishment,” “ Boatswain, pipe all hands aft to see punishment administered.” The ‘cat’ was well laid on, and from that day poor Stranger received no more jeers from his mess- mates, and from that day also he became the de- igs hg ge of ys genes et oe e was s ing quietly @ gangway, watching the departure of eutepant Ainslie for the shore, when, as the officer got into the boat, the buckle of his sword-belt broke in twain. “Here, sir, take this sword-belt into my cabin, and _ bring me another t fyi will find lying upon the he called out, and springing forward, Stranger ea- gorly seized the belt and darted into the cabin, his ace lit up with a strange light, as if of triumph. An instant only was he gone, when he returned with the belt and handed it to the young lieutenant "who at once a the order to the men to let fall ‘their oars and give way. ) Tn one of the officers’ state-rooms upon the brig, as she sailed up the harbor toward her ancharsee, Cue was one person seated in solemn and gloomy thought, | for the return home, after a two years’ cruise, pre- hb “ a4 Ae his dress indicated ies ea i eto ww, th ne vi broad Bile to the city, "sound of chains broke on the ie 5 3 hy E 1s i 4 y r iv he to be ‘h the port, - Beadle’s: Half-Dime table,” | ear, and it could be seen that each ankle was encir- cled by an iron band chaining him to the floor, The man in irons was Noel Moncrief, who was re- turning to his home and native land with the blood of his superior officer upon his hands. * Oh, God!” he murmured, ‘‘ to thus return, when only two short years ago all seemed to me so bright, and I looked forward with joy to the moment when the brig would again drop anchor here.” ” “Did you call, sir?’ suddenly asked a voice, and the form of a marine stood in the doorway. **No, sir; close the door and keep out,’’ sternly said Noel, “T certainly heard you speak,’’ answered the man, erat hay tis: T ira talking th If; but, wh ‘That may be; I was ng to myself; but, why this extra watchtulness?” " “We are getting into port now, lieutenant, and ou have many friends aboard, who would not like o see you hanged, and I intend to see that you do not escape,’’ insolently said the marine. ‘Am Ito be obeye : post outside that door,” “You are not on the quarter-deck now, lieuten- ant,’ said the man, menacingly, as he withdrew, muttering some unkind words to himself against the chained officer, for he was one of the five that Noel had had punished for their conduct toward the de- formed seaman, For some time he sat in silence, heard the order from the deck to take in sail and lower away the stream-anchor, and shortly afterward saw the boat, containing Lieutenant Ainslie and Midshipman Ber- nard row away toward the city. ‘Yes, there they go to make my crime, as it will be called, known to the world; yet I do not blame poor Mr ig for stern duty alone compels him to act as my foe. “Hark! listen to the hum from the city, and ming- ling with it is the sound of a brass band. ‘““Ah’s me! I fear there is no hope for me, and that I must die, A terrible, terxyivie end for one in the flush of youth,” Sudaenly he ceased, and leaning his arms upon the iron gun he rested his head thereon, and in a few moments was fast asleep. How long he slept he knew not, but he awoke to find that ali was still around him, yey the meas- ured tread of the officer of the deck, as he paced to and fro upon his lonely watch. The hum from the town had ceased, and only a light here and there glimmered from the dark masses of houses, showing that the night was creeping on apace, Suddenly he was startled by aslight sound outside his door, followed by a suppressed breathing, and then a low groan. “What can itmean? The ship is at rest,’’ he mut- tered, but ere he could say more the door was softly opened and a tail form stepped cautiously within, ‘Lieutenant Moncrief!"” “Well, who is it, and what do you wish?” na ag pigs dew I have come to save you,” said the voice, in a low whisper. “T thank you, my good man; but I cannot fly.” “You will have to die, for I heard Lieutenant Ains- lie and Mr. Bernard say the commodore said it would go hard with you.” “T expect to die, Stranger.” “ Not if I can save you; come, let me unlock your manacles.” ‘What, you have the keys?” “Yes, sir, I knew where the lieutenant ke for I saw him ince them in a drawer in and, by good fortune, to-night, he sent me there on an errand, and I secured them.,”’ hy pony See tip are a noble fellow, and I will not berty and leave you to suffer, as you cer- t them, Ss cabin, Monerief, you are young. b there are parts of it where cause you punished a man who had your bit ‘Stranger, you are not what ‘ou seem; u have seon better days,” eee ‘“‘ Ay, have I, Lieutenant Moncrief, and there will “Tt is too late now to retract,” < Why, what mean you? Were you seen to come sented to him no bright side, no happy picture. here? True, he had won renewed honor, and his name “No, but you forget the marine.” had been mentioned for promotion, but still his mind | _ ‘Ha! what of him? how did you pass the man on. was clouded with thought, and his face pale and | duty?” ‘stern as he g through the open port, throug “That sentinel’s ig ee i wien was run out a heavy gun. 3 |. “Do you mean he’s dead?” asked Noel, in a low Th -room was large, and contained, besides | tone. ‘ _ the gun, a berth, closet, and chest, while the walls “ Ay, ay, sir.” r were hung round with uniforms, storm-suits, and ‘What! Library. sir? I ordered you to your ——— $$ — for though I would not fly to save myself, I know if Iremain both of us must die,and you shall not suffer death forme, Unlock my manacles.” Gladly the seaman released Noel of his chains, and then, stepping forward, he locked the state-room door, and drew from beneath his. shirt a short rope which he fastened to the gun-carri “Now slip down quickly into ant.” go first.”’ dit follow, sir?’” e. the water, lieuten: “T wil Without another word the seaman gently an#& noiselessly lowered himself into the water, and the next moment was followed by Noel | ** Now let us float with the tide, which is setting in,” whispered Stranger, and releasing their holé upon the rope the two men were borne swiftly away up the harbor, undiscovered by the officer of the deck, as he leaned idly upon a gun-carriage and: gazed toward the sleeping town. CHAPTER V, THE SADDEST BLOW OF ALL, Arter swimming for half an hour Noel and his preserver reached the shore, at_a point where there were several fishing skiffs anchored, and, a suddem tir flashing across his mind, the young lieutenant said: “Stranger, let us take one of these boats, for the wind and tide are both fair, and in a short while rt can run up to Moncrief Manor, for I cannot decide upon my future until Ihave held conversation with one person.” “ Ay, ay, sir,”’ answered the seaman, an? *:. a mo- ment more the two men were im the nght skiff; the mast was stepped, the sail spread, and, with ‘Noel at the tiller, the little craft sped on before a stiff breeze, past the quiet town. ile after mile was passed, when Stranger, who was in the bow, said, quietly: y “Thear the sound of oars and voices in conversa- tion ahead, sir.’’ “Doubtless some pleasure-party returning from the town; there is no danger of our being recog- nized, so Yl stand on.” ‘ A few moments more and there came distinctly te the ears of Noel the steady thud of oars, and a num- ber of voices mingling in conversation. “Tt is as I expected, a pleasure-party. T will luff up and pass to windward of them, la if they haik us, say we are fishermen,” Swiftly the ght skiff cut through the waves, and in ten minutes more was within a few yards of the boat, a large ys Sete ata barge, with a canvas. awn- ing and comfortable seats, wh ch Noel at once recog- nized as belonging to Moncrief Manor, and used by his father for pleasure-parties on the bay and river. * You answer their hail, Stranger, if they should speak us,” * Ay, ay, sir,” responded the seaman, an? as he spoke, the sound of a man’s voice came across the water, making some lively remark to some one in the bow of the barge, ‘By Heaven! that was the voice of ai 4 brother Clarence. He is at home, then; and—yes, I hear her low, musical laugh. Well, it is well for her to laugh now, for ere long tears may dim her eyes, when she knows that Horace Duncan has fallen by my hand, ane that 1am doomed to die for slaying my superior officer, ; **Poor, Hard indeed did I strive to suf- fer everyt I put up with his unkindness, until his last insulting remark before that French captain and Bernard, re- flecting upon your honor, caused me to resent his evil words. ‘* Well, the die is cast, and branded with murder, and dishonored from the navy, I must fly whereso- ever the path of fate may lead me, Stranger!” ‘*We have passed them without ser hailing, and I now intend to run on and land at my home, where I will remain concealed in an arbor, to await the coming of the party from yonder boat, which con- tains my brother and other friends, “You remain in the skiff, when I land, and I wil) soon return.” “Yes, sir; will you. put on this sword which I brought with me under my coat? I took it from your state-room with your brace of pistols, which are dry, I see, as I rolled them up in their oiled-silk ver, “Thanks; I will take the sword and one pistol, while you keep the other.”’ “Lhave two pistols and my cutlass, sir.” oor Eve! “Indeed; why you were a floating arsenal, Stran- ger, and gant as y as if you carried nothing ou,” es, sir, 1swim well; but I brought arms, lieu- tenant, thinking we ht need them.” “Yes, we may need them; but here we are at the shore; so take in the sail and I’llrun the skiff beneat the shadow of this tree,” said Noel, and the next in- stant the small boat was completely hidden beneath the overhanging, Ursa shes of a ag ara willow, and und the young lieutenant i TT Re ashore, buckled on his sword, stuck his pistols in his belt, and, after a word of caution to Stranee walked aw. the direction of the mansion, which 2 a few hundred yards hich he er head Ms both speed | pe oe your sake, and without a murmur | a
Page 5
yh : the eart _ her hands firmly upon h softly. ; EUG No, Sir Murderer, I hate with flashing eyes . Vee Sowa: (Tae a et A a oe RO oR SR ARTO fort, and in which himself and brother had enjoyed | many a cruise together, years before. “The Dart has been overhauled and refitted, I | see; doubtless Clarence has brought her into service | again,’ he said, as he stepped on board the little | schooner and walked 4 and down her deck. “ But yonder comesthe barge, ‘and I must hasten,” | and so saying he walketl on toward the mansion for a few paces, until he came to a small, ivy-grown summer-house, which he entered quietly, Soon the pleasure-barge struck the shore, for t& hal been delayed by stopping at several mansions | along the river, to land parties who had accepted the invitation of Clarence Moncrief, to go. that way to the entertainment given by Commodore Cutting, in | Portsmouth. The oarsmen sprung ashore, and bidding good- night to Clarence and Eve, started rapidly home- ward along the shores of the bay, for they were | fishermen living near Moncrief Manor, while the young man and maiden walked slowly arm-in-arm | toward the mansion. From his Ree of concealment Noel watched their approach, and was about to advauce to meet them, when the words spoken by his brother arrested his steps. Clarence was saying: **Then you still persist in loving Noel?” “T do, Clarence, and it is ignoble in you to en- deavor to steal my affection from him When he is absent,’’ answered Eve, firmly, “Curse him! Yes, Eve Eldred, for your sake I cw’se mj brother, and would to God he might never return,” “Clarence, this is unmanly, this is ungenerous, and I will not listen to you thus speak of one who has ever loved you, ever been just and kind toward ” ‘Hold, Eve Eldred! Stand here and listen to me,” and seizing her hand, Clarence Moncrief stopped | just in front of the summer-house, and continuad in 4 low, bitter tone: ‘** You were mine once—”’ ‘No, sir, [never loved you, except as a brother.” * You were not indiffereat to me, and when I knew , wu liked and praised Noel, because he was in the nuvy, L also entered the service, hoping to gain more favor in your eyes; but, during my absence, Noel came, and stole from me your heart, and now, after three years, I come back to find you his betrothed wife; no, Eve Eldred, you shall never marry Noel Moncriet, if [have to slay him with my own hand, and be Vain-cursed forever. No, I hate him, and you shall be mine.” * Never, sir!’ Both started at the stern, deep voice, and glancing saw before them the tall, manly form of Noel oncrief, for the moon, upon the wane, was just rising over the forest and fe brightly upon the spot where they stood. “Noel! thank God you have come!” and with a lad ery Eve threw herself into his arms, while SE nna in dismay, laid his hand upon his sword- Lh, “* Wait, Eve, and listen to me: “A few hours ago the Vulture dro ed anchor in Por'smouth harbor, but with no Pha cing did she re- turn after her long and suceessful cruise, for upon her fy “ lay the dead form of her captain—” elt: er ” ’ u *‘ Ys, Eve, slain by my hand, in a duel, ere we left Hivana,” il “Ou,my God, my poor, poor heart will break!’ crie | ive, while Clavenc+,whose whole nature seemed to have turned to bitterness, said, harshly: “You ave a murdever then, sir?” * Listen to me, sir! Eve, this is no time for tears, for I would have you hear me. j “Yas, I slew him, after first disarming him and _ giving him his life; for months I bore with him for | ! your sweet sale, and had he not at length spoken evil of you, I would have still suffered on until our return home; but, he went too far; he fell by my hand, and ['was brought home in irons. *“An hour since, I escaped; how, it matters not, but I would not have done so had not a noble man implicated himself in my behalf; and, taking a skiff, I caine on here, to make known to you and to my father all, after which If intended to seek a foreign land, where, if you loved me, I wished you to join me “Noel, I will follow you to the uttermost ends of a!’ cried Eve passionately, as she placed 8 shoulder, “* Never! that woman is ming, and never shall she be the wife of another man!” and drawing his sword. Clarence leaped forward. ; : _ “ Brother, put up your weapon, for I would not cross blades with you, even though your words this night told me that you hated me, and that ri no longer loved me as in boyhood years,” said Noel, you, for you have taken om me the love of Eve Eldred,” 1a “Clarence, I never loved you, and no word or loo ef mine ever caused you to believe so. Shame on you, to curse and hate % brother!” and Eve turned n be 6 ‘the young man, | * Byve, this is idle talk, this man’s own words he is a murderer, and I will deliver him up to the authorities; he will be hung, and then you shall be- mine.’ Be ; i * Brother! Clarence! beware, or you may go too ar’? ee Se ened a “What! do you threaten me?” and with a bitter Lgnery: m hatved Clarence sprung forward with drawn )) SWor: ‘ Qh, God have mercy, but this is terrible!’ cried Ev, Hate: 3 her face with her hands, as a | fired it full in the face of his brother, but, anticipat- | departed, to go aboard the brig and see and exclaimed: ese 4“ e, Eve; I will not hurt him,” said Noel, | f With another cry of hatred, he drew a pistol, and . ing it, Noe] struck it up with his sword, and the ball | passed above his head. Instantly the hand of Clarence again sought his | belt for another pistol; but quickly Noel sprung for- ward, and his sword passed through the body of his brother, who fell with a stifled moan to the ground, ‘* Eve, I have killed him. Now I care not to live,” 7 Noel, you must live, Fly, for already I hear the house alarmed, For my sake fly.”’ “Whither?” “Come with me, sir; quick, or escape will be im- ossible,”’ said the stern voice of Stranger, who had astened to the spot when he heard the clash of “No, good Stranger, save yourself, and here is my belt of gold.” * No, sir, you must come with me,” answered the | seaman, firmly. “Yes, for my sake, fly, Noel,” and Eve threw her arms around him with passionate earnestness. One close embrace, and theh, led by Stranger, Not strode rapidly away in the direction of the skiff, “Yonder is a yacht; let us take that, for then we have some chauce.”’ “All right, my man; it belongs to me,’ and the excitement of Poe causing him to, momentarily, forget the deed his hand had wrought, and tie mis- ery he had left behind lim, Noel sprung on board | the little vessel, already mentioned as moored to the vier; the sails were raised with lightning rapidity, he hawsers cast loose, and, feeling the wind, the graceful Dart swung clear of the dock, and with her master at the helm stretched across the bay, just as t swords, | | | | a glance astern showed that an alarmed crowd from the mansion had arrived at the spot, where lay the body of Clarence Moncrief, with Eve Eldred standing in an agony of grief beside it, CHAPTER VI. THE FLIGHT FOR LIFE. Commopore CuTTING was so much distressed at the sad news brought him by Lieutenant Ainslie, for both Captain Duncan and Noel Moncrief he greatly liked, that he determined, as soon as the guests had ; 2 Noel, to en- deavor to glean from him all particulars in his favor, regarding the duel and its fatal termination. So deciding, he escorted the party, who had been his guests, down to the water’s edge where the barge awaited them, and refraining, through a kind- ness of heart, from informing Clarence that his brother had been brought home in irons, he merely asked him to come in with the governor, his father, at an early hour the following morning, as he was desirous of seeing them upon a matter of great im- portance. : . Clarence promised, and bidding the commodore good-night, and thanking him for his generous hos- pitality, the barge shoved off, and the crew, singing a merry song in chorus, headed up the river, Returning to his mansion he sat down to write some dispatches, and then calling to his servant, or- dered his private cutter to await his coming at the foot of the street, “Yes, I will go on board, and learn fully all about this sad affair, so that in the morning T can make known the full particulars to his father and brother. Poor, rash boy! I fear he must die,” and so saying the commodore wrapped himself up in his heavy cloak, and putting on a slouch hat, walled from the mansion down to the river, where he found the boat | in readiness, Seating himself in the stern-sheets, he said, simply: “Give way, men; coxswain, steer for the brigsof- war anchored below, and, mind you, do not let it be known to the crew who I am.” “Ay, ay, sir’? answered the coxswain, and with measured stroke the cutter moved away, dnd in a short time was hailed from the Vulture, with; “Boat, ahoy!” Boh “Dispatches for the commander,” answered the commodore, * Come alongside,” [ “Ay, ay,” and the next instant Commodore Gut- ting stood on the deck of the Vulture, aud was met by Lieutenant Ainslie, who, recognizing him imme- tely, conducted him into the cabin, | “Ainslie, F could not sleep, so IT have come on board to have a talk with you and poor Moncrief,”’ “Tam glad to see you, commodore, Be seated, sir, and I will send for him,” politely answered the young lieutenant. ‘No, I would not be seen by thecrew, Go for him, and also bring young Bernard, for if there is any- thing in favor of the poor fellow I would find it out.” “YT thank you, Commodore Cutting, and I trust sincerely Moncrief may be spared, for a better offi- cer or nobler man hahe lived,” answered the lieu- tenant, warmly, as he went to the table drawer to search for the keys that unlocked Noel's manacles, “Strange, I always keep them here,” he muttered, thoughtfully. ‘What is it?’ “T cannot find the keys to release the prisoner; they were here just sefore I went ashore to see you.’ “Quick! go to his state-room,” said the commo-'| the br the cabin, Alden Ainslie is face as pale as death - Commodore Cutting, Lieutenant Moncrief a ’ 4 ; Po dore, excitedly, and leavi returned the next instant, ing to his fe 7 | | | | the commodore, Lieutenant Aiuslie gave orders te ] or Gone? Impossible!” said the commodore, spring- | skit we saw astern of us has let thom know $e “Tt is true, sir, and would that were al; but the guard who was over him lies dead by the door, hay =F been stabbed to the heart with a keen-biaded snife. “Great heavens! Lieutenant Ainslie, this must be: looked to, Come, let us to the deck; have the men called to quarters, and if possible the fugitive must. be overhauled, for it is a lasting disgrace to a mam of-war to be thus bearded,” Quickly ascending to the deck, accompanied by call the men to quarters, and then the two descended to the gun-deck, where the form of the dead marine was found, and the rope hanging from the open proved the manner in which t caped, “ He has been aided in this/ let us to the deck,” and once more ascending the quarter-deck, the com modore called out: ‘** Who is officer of the deck?” “Tam, commodore; Mr, Bennett took my place when I went into the vabin with you,” answered Lieutenant Ainslie, “Mr. Bennett, have you seen aught going on, that rt, € prisoner had es- | is a clew to this escape of the prisoner?” “No, commodore; yonder schooner-yacht passed us shortly after you went below, giving us a wide berth,"’ answered the officer, pointing as he spoke toward a white sail, that was flying rapidly seaward, The eyes of all were turned toward the flying craft, and just then a loud voice hailed from an approach- ing skiff that came down the river: “ Ho, the brig-of-war!” ie a hoy! what do you wish?” answered Lieutenant nse, : “Will you bring yonder schooner to? for those now on board of her slew Mr, Moncrief, a shoré while since,” came the answer, **Ha! here is a clew. Mr, Ainslie, train a | the schooner, and M-. Bennett, let fall the sails, for) will give chase if we fail to bring the yacht to,” said the commodore, ami he then called to the men to come alongside, “Well, sir, now give us all the knowledge you have about this matter,” said Commodore Cutting, stern- ly, as the occupants of the skiff, two in number, as cended to the brig’s leck. “Well, sir, we be (ishermen, and was in the ba that brought Mr. Monerief and his party down te the merrymaking, at; your house to-night, and when. we got to the mansiou again, we started to our homes, | and had gone but arlittle way when we heard a pis- | tol-shot, so we ran buck to where we had left Master | Clarence and Miss lve, and we saw the yacht yon- | der swinging away from the pier, and on her deck was two men, one in an officer's uniform, and the other a great big fellow, looking like a seaman, “Well, sir, we ran up to where the servants was crowded in a knot, having come down from the man- sion, and we saw Master Clarence lying on the round with a sword-wound in his side, and Mies ive was fainted and held up by the governor—” “What is that you say, Lieutenant Ainslie?” {ne tamupted the commodore, quickly, turning toward the young officer who was clearing a gun aft, ; “Tsay, sir, that in the present position of the brig, no gun can be brought to bear upon the scheoner, r. at a | “Then, slip the cable and give chase, and with will, Do you hear, men? Lively to your work!’ | cried Commodore Cutting, and he again turned to the fishermen and said, sternly: “Go on, sir, with your story.” ‘ ‘Yes, sir; well, you see, Jake, here, and me krew | who it was—”’ “Who was it?” was them as was running away in the yacht, so we | went down to the shore and there we found the skiff alongside, which we knew belongs to - ome fishermer here in the town, 80 we jumped into it and gave chase after the schooner, sir, and that’s all we know,” skiff, and if we overhaul the murderer, you not be forgotten for your promptness; who di say was absent from the vessel, Mr. Bennett?” ~ *A seaman who hails only i: the name of Stranger? he has left the brig since dark.” f _ Then he it was who aided Lieutenant Moncriet in his escape; and, Ainslie, sad as it appears, I fear we shall find that another crime has been perpetrar ted by Noel, for did you observe, the ‘fisherman re marked that the two men who fled in the yacht. were an officer and a seaman, as the moonligk? plainly showed?” Paynes ‘ * Yes, sir, I noted it,” : its Well, what do you make gat of it allt staat \ ow not what to say; there she swings round and feels the wind. Clear those bow.gue th and as soon as you can get range, send & a yonder schooner” a si -ahea a CAT ay a Bmenyoaie® ecche ‘ommodore Cutting, your 6 is onge side,"’ said a reefer, coming aft, and polite uting his superior. “True, I had forgotten,” and stepp i of the brig, he sald: Sins: renne * “x = ‘Coxswain, cast off and row back; let the ladi A . T expect tore at home know where I am, and say ey i area a the cutter dropped rapiay , , ay, sir,” and the cutter | : aan as a bright glare pi rar ne are,” said Noel Moncrief, calmly, as he stood at ; F eo “T thank you, men; now go bac ¢ a be you, my g k to ror d you on “TI mean we knew who it was had done the deed . - ho We |
Page 6
6 helm of the little yacht, and held her on her course with steady hand, “Yes, sir, she is in earnest, for yonder comes a gun; but it was aimed wildly,’’ answered the seaman, | as the shot flew far to windward, and buried itself in the sea. “They ll improve by practice, and the moonlight | | close aft; trim all close and belay.”’ is in their favor.” ; “No, lieutenant; if the gunners of those bow-guns know it is you that stands on this schooner’s deck, take my word for it, their shots will all fly wild, for | there are few men in yonder brig but would risk their lives to save you.” “Still we must endeavor all in our power to es- cape; with our present breeze I believe she will bear her topsails and flying-jib.” : “ Ay, ay, sir,” and Stranger Sprung nimbly for- ward, and in a few moments had set the extra can- vas, The yacht was a mile below the town, and the brig, three-quarters of a mile astern, was keeping up a rapid fire upon the flyin vessel, but with no other effect than to send the balls over and around her, oc- casionally striking near enough to throw a shower of spray upon the decks. As Noel watched the brig, however, he saw that, mou the yacht was a fast sailer, she was being steadily overhauled by her pursuer, who was now covered with canvas from her topmasts to her decks, and he felt assured that, as soon as his little craft had to stagger through the waves of. the ocean, she would soon be taken, Still his nerve did not fail, nor was there a tremor of his hand upon the tiller, as he urged his little ves- sel on, his eyes glancing ahead and then astern, The yacht had now reached a part of the harbor where the channel runs to the east of Great Island taking a circuitous route for more than a mile, and Noel was about to follow its devious course, when a shot from the brig carried away the schooner’s fore- pment, the shock causing her to shiver from stem stern, “That is bad for us, Stranger,” said the young officer, coolly, and then he quickly added, ‘By Heaven, I'll risk it! Stand ready to ease off every- thing!” and putting the helm hard down, Noel rung forward to let fly the main-sheet, while anger did the same for the foresail and jibs. ones re ee little schooner came about, and, #lose-hai , stood back in the direction of the br.g- of-war. CHAPTER VII. THE STORM-CHASE, Wonperina at the strange maneuver of the leu- tenant, Stranger was however silent, and stood ready to obey the slightest order, for he had implicit con- fidence in Noel’s skill and courage, On darted the schooner, until she came once more to the head of Great Island, and scarcely half a mile divided her from the brig, which had ceased firin Bpon noticing her put about, believing those on boar her had seen their inability to escape, and were . voming back to surrender, Commodore Cutting had just given the order to Lieutenant Ainslie to luif the brig, and her bows were sweeping ‘fully around in obedience to her helm, when suddenly, there was a surprised ery for- ward, and all eyes were at once turned again upon | the yacht. | Having discovered that, if he kept the ship-channel | so the northward of Great Island, his craft would | of thunder that shook the yon be overhauled, or sunk a the fire of the brig Noel had at once determined, :as his fore-topmast was shot away, to put back and attempt to run the uth passagé, between the main, upon which stood | ‘ortsmouth, and the island before referred to. For this reason he had put back to gain the head | | hold upon the tiller. of Great Island, although he well knew the channel through which he would have to pass, to reach the ypen sea, was, in some places, but three feet in lepth. “Sut the yacht drew little over two feet of water, ind he determined to risk i, and with such success was his attempt carried out that, as he anticipated, the brig was brought up into the wind, believing him | on his way back to surrender, The exc tion of kod ee. then on the Vulture arose from seeing the schooner round the head of Great Island, ease off the sheets free, and dart away before the wind, her sails spread out wing-and-wing, The brig having come to, it was some moments be- fore she could be gotten under way again and all prawing, 0 that when she reached the head of Great Island the schooner was half-way through the shal- jow and intricate channel, and passing Pest Island. “There comes the last gun she can fire at us, for some time, Stranger,’’ said Noel, quietly, as one of the broadside guns sent a shot over the schooner, just as the brig continued on in the ship-channel. “That was a daring and skillful move, sir,” said seaman; ‘you seem to know these waters well!” “Yes, I have sailed on them from boyhood; but ®ee, yonder are the spars of the brig above the island, and how rapidly she pines along! But we will distance her greatly by th nel is much shorter than the other; and see, we are now coming into Little Harbor, and yonder is the ” open sea. _ On flew the schooner, the-brig now far astern, and, passed Kitt’s Rock, the swell of the ocean: sas _ eaused her to pitch heavily, for a high sea was run- tenant, see there,” and Stranger pointed astern of them to the heavens, which were black with masses of clouds, that had suddenly arisen above the horizon and were rapidly overspreading s move, for this chan- Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. er, for I can hug the shore while the brig dare not. y Heaven! see, the whole sky is overcast already.” Be can no longer see the brig, sir; shallI shorten sail? “No, not yet; we have now an offing of two miles, and I will put away on a southerly course. Jibe the mainsail over, and haul the fore and main sheets The wind was blowing a stiff seven knot breeze from the westward, and under her clouds of canvas the schooner staggered and plunged heavily; but, anxious to place as great a distance as possible be- tween himself and the brig, Noel stood on, hoping in the darkness to elude the vigilance of his pursuers. “ Stranger, lower away the fiying jib, and then let fall the foresail, so that you can reef close.”’ “ Ay, ay, sir!’’ andin a short while, under greatly reduced sail, the yacht held on, the wind each mo- ment increasing, “Here, Stranger, take the helm, while I go below, for I would know what water and stores we have aboard, that I may decide whether to put into some town on the coast, or stand right on southward.” Stranger sprung to the helm, and descending into the cabin Noel glanced around him, and then quick- ly examined the store-room, water-casks, and the other compartments below decks, having lighted the cabin lamp and a lantern he found on the table. ** Ho, Stranger,” he call out to the seaman, in a joyous tone, “the yacht has just been stored and prepared for a cruse, for there are provisions suffi- cient aboard to last us a month, besides several fowling-pieces and pistols; she was evidently to start on a hunting-expedition along the coast.” “Tam glad of it, sir; so much the better for us; but will you please come Sie deck again?” an- swered the seaman, and, delighted wit covery he had made about the yacht, Noel ascended to the deck, for the excitement of the chase kept down the poignant sorrow he otherwise would have felt, at the deed his hand had wrought only a few hours before. One gas around the dark waters, and up at the black heavens, and he knew why the seaman had called him to the deck, for the yacht was bounding before a gale that each moment increased to fury. “We are going to have a black time of it, sir.” “Yes; I'll take the helm, while you lower away the jib. There, now; leave her fore-topmast an sail, and come aft and let fall her main-sail. That will do; now reef her to her lightest reef-points. for she’ll need some main-sail to bring her round, we have to lay to.” With wonderful strength and ity, Stranger had obeyed the order given him, and then, with only a close-reefed main-sail and fore-topmast stay-sail, both stretched to their utmost tension, the PE sou kept on, staggering over and through the wild waters, which were rendered blacker by the mass of clouds hovering low over the sea, and from which broke a mou roar of thunder. ‘Ha! there comes the first flash of lightning. Now keep a bright watch for the next, and we'll see what has become of the brig,” said Noel, whose face was pale and brow stern, for he could not but feel that | it was God’s anger upon him for the deed his hand had wrought, and even the stoical seaman felt awed by the mighty power of an avenging Almighty. Suddenly the whole sea was a broad flame of light; a vivid, forked spear of lightning pierced the dark masses of storm-clouds, darted with angry, zig-zag, fiery splendor from the heavens, and, amid a cras very waters, descended oceanward until it struck the tall, tapering spars of the brig-of-war, two miles to windward of the schooner. Y ‘God in heaven! but this is awful! Oh, what misery and despair have I brought upon my ill-fated companions!” cried Noel, momentarily releasing his “Tt is fearful, sir; but look out, or the yacht will founder,” answered Stranger, as he spruny forward and seized the helm and once more held the yacht on her course, By an effort recovering himself, Noel turned his gaze across the waters, and watched with burning eyes the flames dart along the rigging, and blend the spars and sails in fiery serpents.” “See! she has come to; and hark! they are cut- nk Seay her masts, God grant she may be saved!” “Yes, lieutenant, I hope they will be saved, for there are many brave and noble men on yonder ves- sel; but we have no need to dread them now, so had we not better lay to, for the schooner is nearly drowned forward, and Ifearshe may run under, as the gale is increasing.” “You are right, my good friend. Here, give me the helm, and stand ready, for I'll take advantage of the next favorable wave to bring her up.” A moment more and the gallant little vessel had brought her bows into the wind, and lay upon the storm-swept waves in comparative safety, while the two men, who so bravely guided her destiny, turned their eyes egy de sp the brig, which was now al- most a mass of flames above decks, ‘See! see! there shake her masts—they are gone! Look! now they cut the stays!’’ cried Noel, end with aloud crash and hissing sound, heard even on the schooner, the entire top-hamper of the gallant brig- of-war went over the side into the sea, leaving the waters once more in impenetrable gloom. Behold! there goes a ; what! can they have seen us, and, even a wreck as they are, be firing at us? Is man’s hatred as deep as that?” ‘* No, lieutenant, there goes another flash; they are minute guns of distress, to call for aid from the the dis-. $$ er, have little to fear, for the hull is good an‘ will ride out the storm, when they can rig jurymasts and get back to Portsmouth.” “Yes; but, Stranger, they come down upon us Lhe dpc what say you, shall we get sait ow the schooner and again stand on out of the brig’s way?” ‘No, sir; for the canvas would be blown to rib- bons ina second. She will pass near, but not ever us, and perhaps not see us as we lay low in the wa- ter,’’ answered the seaman. “You areright; she will pass to leeward of us, and I will hail and see if they need aid, for, if my lita must answer for it, I will not see my shipmates per ish while I have a sound deck beneath my feet. ‘*Mr, Moncrief, your heart is in the right place sir; I will stand ready to obey your orders, even i in saving them we put our own necks in the bang man’s noose,’’ answered the brave sailor, with firm- ness, The brig conld now be distin her signal guns, to be but a tant, rolling and pitching heavily in_the sea, and coming down toward the schooner only a short dis tance to leeward. eee ee firmly by the mainstays, Noel awaited until the wreck came near, and just as the roar of another gun died away, hailed’ in a loud, ringing; voice: ‘Ho! the brig, ahoy!” No answer came for a moment, and then in the voice of Lieutenant Ainslie was the reply: ‘** Ahoy! who hails, and where away?” ae chase; off your windward bow. Doyou wise» aid? A murmur of voices could be heard for an instant, and then Lieutenant Ainslie cried: ‘““We were struck by lightning; our masts are cub away, and we are leaking badly.” “My vessel is large enough to hold T’ll hang off your quarter in case of need. A moment there was silence, and as the brig was driving by, Noel said: “She must bear sail, Stranger; raise the foremast- eee Yith great difficulty the order was executed, and in afew moments the schooner was again driving before the gale, but with terrible risk, and soon over- hauled the brig, when Noel again hailed: ‘*T will hang near you, in case of need,” “Who is that that hails?’ suddenly cried the sten- torian voice of Commodore Cutting. “ Noel Moncrief,”’ boldly answered the young offi- cer, and his words brought a ringing cheer from the crew of the — ‘*T knew it! No, Mr. Moncrief, we are in no imme- diate danger; our pumps will keep us’ afloat, and ve can soon ve puma “No, sir, if we could not take you by fair means we will not rh foul; so stand on your course, young . man, and ‘f life is dear to you, keep clear of the 4 United States.” A perfect yell of joy came from the seamen of the brig, all of whom sympathized with Noel, and ad- mired his courage and the noble offer he had but hep made to serve them, and again the commodore cried: ““Moncrief, it was noble of you to desire toserve us, and we thank you for it,” Again the clear and manly tones of Noel Moncrief were heard, and all remained silent to hear him, for the schooner was forging ahead, as he hailed: * Commodore Cutting, I thank you for your kind- ness, “One and all, shipmates, farewell.” Three cheers were given by the brig’s crew, even the officers joining in, and the gale somewhat abat- ing, the mainsail of the schooner was raised, and at sunrise, as the Vulture, having rigged temporary masts, headed back toward Portsmouth, the little yacht, with its daring commander, was far to the southward, a mere speck upon the restless weirs. CHAPTER VIIL ; THE BUCCANEER BARGE, One pleasant afternoon, some two mouths after the escape of the yacht, Dart, from Fortsmouth has- bor, a small, sharp-bowed craft, with two slender masts rigged with lateen sails, yas sailing quiet) along the shores of Cuba, for the scene of my story now changes, kind reader, from the rock-hound nen of the North to the waters of the sunny outh. The carre a, for such is th name given to craft of the kind mentioned above appeared not to be, as’ are many of her class in the Indies, a swift sailer,. for though she had all sail spread to catch the four: knot breeze that was blowing, she was not maki anything more out of it than would many a vessel of even a less fair build. : At any rate, the carrera was a comfortable little craft of perhaps ten tons, and her deck cleanly kept. and in perfect order, while her cabin was large roomy, and almost luxurivusly furnished, which at once discovered her to belong to some coast planter of wealth, and used by hina as a pleasant means ot conveyance to and from his estates, when his busi ness called him to Havana or Matanzas. Upon the deck of the carrera were visible nine Moai sons, one of whom was a tall, stalwart man, dressed in white duck, and who appeared to be the com- mander, for he held the helm, and every now and then gave some order to four negroes forward, whe formed the crew. The helmsman was not a negro, though his face was very dark; but in his features and dark flashing eyes could be traced the Llood of a d t of that ancient tribe of Indiaus, the Escurians, who» were the original possessors of the island which it ished by the flash of ew cables’ length dis- your crew; has cost Spain so many humapr lives to hold, “Amidahf . the sky. ~ . hy ith “Thad is another enemy, yet still a friend, Stran- ps stood two other persons, a young maw Vs ae ied Nika i cig BUCS etter a
Page 7
and a young girl, both showing in their faces the ad- mixture of the white with the African race, and heir appearance indicating that they held the re- sponsible positions of valet and femme-de-chambre to un old gentleman and a maiden who were seated aft, upon a low settee, ag ted enjoying the beauty of the evening and the scenery along the coast, for | the carrera was hardly a mile from the curving | shores. The old gentleman referred to was a person of striking appearance, for his face was darkly bronzed, his eyes intensely black and brilliant, while his mus- tache and curling hair were snow-white. Dressed in a suit of white linen, with a broad som- brero upon his head, Don Octavio Guido looked ex- actly what he was, a wealthy planter of Cuba, and one who, in his earlier ‘pea evidently had seen military service in the field. The maiden by his side, the Donna Violeta, was one of those dark types of beautiful women, pecu- liarly Spanish in face and form. Her every motion was graceful, and her figure slight, molded with marvelous symmetry, and rather above the prescribed hight for a perfect form, but still it appeared faultless in the close-fitting bodice and skirt of dark-gray cloth. The eyes were slumbering wells of fire, only need- ing a spark of love or anger to cause them to flash forth passion or brilliant flames; the face was in re- se beautiful and Madonna-like, but as now and hen it would light up as same pretty scene opened to her view shoreward, it was full of animation .and sparkling loveliness; a face olive in hue, tinted with the rich blood of health, perfect in mold, and strangely fascinating to one upon whom it was turned with kindness. Upon her head, besides the rich dark vail that a@rooped upon her shapely shoulders, Senorita Violeta wore a broad sun-hat, that cast in shadow and half hid the braids of black hair, drawn back from the forehead and fastened in a circling mass with a gold comb. So intently were all on board the craft engaged in watching the landscape panorama, as they glided along, that they failed to observe a drogher, a kind of freight vessel used to carry coffee and sugar from the plantations to the city, that had suddenly come out of a lagoon, half hidden by the forests that overhung its mouth, and was standing boldly down upon them. , ; e drogher had two stump masts, upon which were hoisted by pulleys two long yards with large twangular sails, which instead of reefing in a blow, eould be lowered in an instant into the hold of the fugger, which was open, except a canvas covering stretched across and supported by a spar acting asa cross-beam. But one man was visible apo the lugger, and he was at the helm, apparently endeavoring all he could to take advantage of the light wind to eat up to windward of the carrera. : For a while he was successful in his maneuver, and had nearly gained the wind of the smaller craft, when the q fell upon him, and a stern order from his lips brought all on board to their feet. f : “What isit, Lalul?” asked Don Octavio, quickly. The Indian answered in Spanish: ; “Yonder dvogher means no good, comin onus that way; trim the sails closer, and more into the wind,”’ and the tones of his voice were strangely soft and musical. The order was obeyed, and for a moment all watched anxiously to see the result, for piratical craft were frequent in those waters at the time this story is laid, and especially were the lagoon bucca- neers dreaded as a most cruel and ferocious set. *“ Nombre de Dios, but she gains rapidly upon us, Lalul! Suppose we square away and run before the wind?” said Don Octavio, inan anxious tone. “T'll try it, senor. Let go the halyards fore and aft!’ and away the carrera sped before the wind, to oe example followed the moment after by the rogher. “nis will never d , Lalul; for see, the lugger is now on her best sailing points,” The-Indian helmsman glanced quickly over his own vessel, then steadily for a while at the pursuer, and at once gave the orders to the negro crew to trim in the sheets, while he put her away upon her former course, for with the wind on her quarter the drogher would also have to change, and it was evi- dent she was not gaining as rapidly before they put away as after. “She still overhauls us, senor; but not as rapidly as before.” “No. Lalul, what do you believe that drogher to be?” and Don Octavio glanced anxiously toward his beautiful daughter who, with pale face, was watch- ing the approach o: the strange vessel. ; ‘Senor, I think ti» .ugger is a pirate,” answered the Indian, in a low .one. “My God! I feared so. Lalul, we must not be takea,” and the Cuban again glanced toward Vio- leta. “No, senor, it is death anyway; so let us die with arms in our hands.” “Well said— Ha! yonder comes another sail!” and the Cuban pointed some two miles ahead, to where a small rakish-looking schooner was just rounding a point of land. The helmsman seized a glass and gazed intently at the strange sail for a moment, and then said: _ “She does not belong to thesé waters, but looks like an American-built vessel. If she were not so small I would believe her to be a buccaneer, also.” ‘“‘ Mary, mother of God, grant it be a friend! Here ~ pne of you boys, lower our flag to half-mast and let him see we need his succor!”’ cried the Cuban. down i | “The flag of Spain soon floated at half-mast, and ck eye of the helmsman of the carrera | ll edge | | The Flying’ Yankee. ; all eyes were eagerly turned toward the schooner, to denote the slightest change in her course, ‘Soon it came; her bow swung round quickly, and, with the wind very nearly astern, she came fly- ing down toward the carrera. The drogher at once also presented a scene of action, for a dozen dark forms were discovered mov- ing upon her decks, and quickly four long and heavy | sweeps were put out, to endeavor to overhaul the : ' | on toward the chase ere the schooner got to her, With intense excitement all on board the carrera watched the flight of their own vessel, which, pressed to her utmost speed, was only making about five knots, and then turned their eyes upon the rapid ap- proach of the lugger, still nearly a mile astern, but coming with increased speed. Again they glanced ahead, toward the schooner, which, with a wall of a about her sharp bows, was rushing toward nem, ; “Senor, that dvogher is one of the fastest of her class; but, swift as she is, yonder schooner is a far better sailer,” and Lalu! handed the glass to Don Octavio, who, placing it to his eye, turned it toward the little vessel that had so nobly answered their sign of distress. ‘Lalul, she carries but one gun that I can see—a small brass piece upon her forecastle, and I can only observe some dozen men upon her decks.” “Enough, with our aid, to beat off fifty of the eae crew. Shall I luff closer, so as to speak him “Yes, Lalul. Violeta, see how swiftl y yonder schooner comes on—oh, see, yonder goes her flag— she is an American!” “Yes, father; I have watched her rapid approach, and, though most anxious, have not failed to note her grace and speed. See, the schooner is altering her course and will come near us.” ; A few moments more and with her sharp prow cutting the water and dashing showers of spray upon either side, the schooner had come within a cable’s rt Sa and was so heading as to pass within a few fathoms of Don Guido’s craft. Suddenly a manly form sprung into the schooner’s main-rigging, and a clear voice haiied: ** Ho, the carrera !” ‘* Ahoy the schooner!’ answered Lalul. “Ts yonder drogher in chase of you?” “ Ay, it is a lagoon pirate.” “Allright, Ihave not men enough to board him but will give him a lesson, In the meantime, stand onas you are, and I will protect you all in my power.” “T thank you, si’,’’ and ere the don could say more, the sc pocney bad passed by and was rushing roghe. “A daring fellow that, and indeed a generous one to throw himself between us and danger; but it is just like those Americans, reckless and noble-heart- ed to a fault,’ said the don, with enthusiasm. ‘“What a splendid looking man he was, father, and his Spanish was pertnee and his voice clear and ringing,” said Violeta, still gazing after the receding schooner. “Tll warrant your eyes could soon discover his fine form and face, and your ears drink in the melody of his voice, for ever is it thus with women.” Violeta blushed, but made no reply, and her father turned toward Lalul to address him, when, across the waters, came in distinct tones, in Spanish: “The drogher, ahoy! Put back or I will fire into oul’ i A derisive cheer was the only answer, and the next instant there came a puff of smoke from the bows of the schooner, and the roar of a six-pounder floated over the waters, followed by acrash of timbers and ells and Le ye of pain and fury coming from on oard the drogher. , “Ha, ha! the buccaneer has met his match, if it is only a little schooner, one-fourth his size. See, see! there goes another shot, and while the drogher comes up into the wind the schooner is changing her course and wearing round,” exclaimed Don Octavio, who with Violeta, Lalul and the others, earnestly watched the movements of the brave little vessel. After firing a second gun, which did considerable damage, as had the first shot, on board the drogher, the brave little schooner wore round, hauled her sheets in board and stood away in the wake of the carrera. Rapidly the little schooner overhauled the carrera, and keeping in her wake and a point closer to wind- ward, threatened to shave her as she passed by, and the Cuban planter and Lalul watched his a movements, for they knew not yet what was the in- tention of the American. Nearer and nearer the schooner approached, and dust as her sharp bowsprit hovered over the stern of he carrera, she fell off quickly, and, passing to lee- ward, her commander cried: ; ‘* Spring aboard there, men, and hold the two ves- sels firm together,” and the next instant a young man, clad in a light, blue flannel suit and with a naval cap, sprung upon the carrera’s deck, It was Noel Moncrief. CHAPTER EX. THE LAGOON PIRATES. ‘**Lasa firm,men! Keep her off a little, helmsman, so that the two will sail more evenly,” cried Noe and then, raising his cap, politely, he turned towar Don Octavio, who, with Lalul and Violeta, had great- ¥ admired the bold and skillful manner in which the young officer had laid his vessel alongside their own. “Pardon me, senor, and you, senorita, for board- ing you in such an unceremonious manner, but_yon- der drogher is only temporarily crippled, and will soon follow, so I offer you the service of my schooner to escape him.” “T thank you, Senor Americano, from my heart I thank you, for my daughter and myself, for even now would we have been in his power had it not been for your timely aid and daring.” “Senor, this is no time for thanks, but for action; I have simply one six-pounder brass gun, and I ob- served the crew of the drogher engaged in getting a eannon out of the hold, to mount upon her forecastle, and again give chase, so I urge you to at once ge aboard the schooner.”’ ‘* And what will become of my carvera?” ‘**Remove all you can aboard my vessel, for I have room for your crew as well as yourselves, and if you do not care to have your craft fall into the hands of the buccaneers, set her on fire.” ‘Senor, I hesitate, not for the loss of my vessel, © but for the trouble we will give you.” “Do not mention it, sir. Iam bound to Havana, hee will take you there, if that was your destina- jon. “Tt is gladly I Spy. your kind offer, for I see the drogher is getting under way again;”’ and turning to his helmsman he bade him get the baggage, and what other things they could, quickly on board the schooner, In a very short while the crew of the carrera, aided by half a dozen seamen from the schooner, had transferred the baggage, and a few other things from the cabin and hold of the Cuban craft to the American, and Noel, with a polite salute to Violeta, offered his hand and conducted her into his own Mac rs eemtgg r saloon, saying: ‘Here, lady, I trust you will make yourself as much at home as though this were your own vessel; your maid shall join you, and your father, will be near you.” ‘Senor Americano, I owe you more than my life; but not now can I thank you, as your vessel needs your services, for I feel that even now we are in dan- Yr “True, lady; to say otherwise would be false; but I have faith in my little schooner’s speed, and we may get out of range ere the gun is mounted upon the drogher. If I can in any way serve you, com- mand me,”’ So saying, Noel left the cabin, and ascending to the deck found all in readiness to cast off. ‘Have you set the carrera on fire?” “Yes, senor, it is burning in the hold, and the flames will soon break forth,” answered Lalul, sadly, as if sorrowful to destroy his vessel, ‘*Then cut loose the lashings. Quick about it, men} Steady, helmsman; there, she forges ahead,’ and the next instant the schooner moved forward, and, free from the other craft, bent bravely to the breeze, which was now blowing quite brisk. “Stranger, help the crew of the Cuban craft to store away their ugEa e, and let the baggage of the don and senorita be taken into the cabin,” and walking aft, Noel relieved the seaman from the helm and took the tiller himself. “ Ay, ay, sir; and about the crew of the carrera?” “We would be glad to serve, if po would assign us to duty, senor,” said Lalul, politely. “All right, my men, You, senor, can divide the watches between my mate and myself, for I see you are a thorough seaman.” ‘Thanks, senor, and I will now relieve you of the helm,” and Lalul ste Loa forward and Noel re- linquished his place to 3, while he walked toward the don and Violeta, who just then came up from the cabin. ‘ “The drogher is in full chase, I see, senor.” “Yes, sir, and the Lente are hastening to mount their gun, which I believe is a long eighteen, as well as I can make out with my glass; but, we have a mile start new, and as soon as the deck is clear of lug- gage, I intend to crowd on all the sail the schooner will carry,” answered Noel, pleasantly, and turning suddenly he beheld Violeta. Instead of looking upon the burning ce77era, which, now half a mile astern, was enveloped in flames, she was gazing intently into 8 face, Their eyes met, and the maiden hid her earnest aze beneath the heavily-fringed lids, while her face ushed brightly; but over the features of Noel Mon- crief stole a look of inexpressible sadness, for the beautiful maiden edge ae vividly to his mind one most dear to him, and whom his own act had lost to him forever, ‘*Senor, we are gaining upon the drogher,” said Lalul, turning to the young American, and also dis- covering it, the Cuban planter remarked: “T have great faith in your little craft, captain— : captain—but I have not heard your name, senor,” ‘Can I see you a moment, sir?” suddenly asked Stranger, with a look of anxiety upon his face. “In one moment, good Stranger—my name, don, “Tt is most urgent, sir,’’ said Stranger, again in- truding, and seeing the expression upon his face Noel stepped quick forward, and the seaman said, in a low tone: » ‘Pardon me for seeming rudeness, sir, but I feared * you were going to give your own name to the don.” “Tn truth was I, Stranger.” “Well, sir, we are bound to Havana, if we escape the buccaneer, and though the schooner is so altered as not to be rec still it would destroy all te go into port under your own name, as there may be some American vessel of war there. ; “Ever Crongh tat, my good Stranger—” “Mr. Moncrief, Iam no longer a ae sf to you pew oe Tl tell you frankly my name. It is’ Westley. rs) he, “Two more, such as Haster Southey, for instance, l jd have gotten around the compass; but, joking aside, I'll remember that your name is est hereafter, and mine is—is—a strange feeling. it hg to it, and I will do it—my name is—Clar ence . ey and Jou wou i
Page 8
“Pay Perr eee — The seaman started as he heard tne name, but only rejoined: ‘You are a planter of wealth, living on the Missis- yf sippi river, and being fond of the sea this is your pleasure yacht.”’ “The very thing, West; now I will return to the don,” and then he continued ina loud tone: ~ “Mr, West, run up the flying-jib, and set the top- sails, for we must get away from that fellow.” “ Ay, ay, sir!’ and to the call of the seaman, now known as West, the crew of the carrera as well as the men belonging to the schooner, sprung nimbly to obey the order. } Joining the Cubans agai", the don remarked: } **T was about to say, captain, as your mate called { ; you away, that I am Don Octavio Guido, a planter i o Cuba, and this is my daughter, the Senorita Vio- eta.’ Noel bowed at the introduction, while the maiden held forth her little hand and said, frankly: **T trust, senor captain, we will be the warmest friends from this day, for we owe much to you; but, do youknow you have not yet made known to us your name, Senor Americano?’ added Violeta, with an arch smile, “Tam called Clarence Noel, and, like your father, Tama planter. I live on the Mississippi river,”’ and, as Noel spoke, »very particle of color fled from bis . handsome face, leaving it as pale as death. “We thought you were an American of wealth, senor, who amused himself with his yacht,” said-the is) —— caneer is striving hard to take us, and isnow going to treat us to a few shots, for I notice the gun is mouunt- ed, and they are loading it, “ Lady, will you retire to the cabin, for there is danger here?” : } ** No, Captain Noel, I will remain and share alike ' with my father and yourself the danger that threat- ens,"’ said Violeta, firmly. H “Senor, let her fall off a little—steady as you are } —now she runs rapidly—ba, there we have it!” and f ; as the young commander ceased speaking the boom * of the gun was heard, and the roar of an eighteen- pound solid shot. above their heads caused an invol- untary dodging amid the crew. : “Let them fire away, for each shot but checks their speed, and ere. long we will be out of range,” quietly remarked Noel, and he placed himself, as if by accident, between the maiden and the danger that threatened her fair form, Again came the roar of the long eighteen from the forecastle of the drogher, and once more the shot \, flew above the schooner, and sunk into the sea a few 4 ‘cables’ length ahead. ; it , “ Senorita, there is danger here for you; his prac- i tice may give him better aim,” said the Ameri- can, again turning anxiously toward the Cuban 4 maiden, , Y “ Senor, I will not hide from the death that threat- : ens both you and my father,” proudly answered the ae _ maiden, and with a glance of admiration at her true i SONAR, Noel turned once more to watch the move- ( } ) ——— ments of the drogher, “Ha! there comes another shot! By heaven! how unfortunate! Forward there, West, and repair the e!” cried the American, as he saw the last shot from the droyher pass closely over their heads and cut away the bowsprit close to the bows. Thus damaged the schooner became unmanagea- : ble, and Noel was about to give orders to ease off the FRC iee sheets fore and aft, and put her dead before the wind, when she suddenly broached to, and lay motiouless ; ' upon the water. ; y, All on board the schooner at once realized their mips Brgy a loud cheer from the drogher showed uty _, them that the pirates were now confident of success; * : but, undismayed, the Onna paperican sprung for- ‘ ward, and with the aid of West and the crew, for j t is one and all worked with a will, a stout spar was soon | bear i rigge@ and run out to act as a bowsprit, the jibs were ti A n hoisted, and once more taking the helm the (ae i li schooner felt the wind, her sails filled, and again her sharp prow cut through the waves, and ' just in time, for the drogher was but a hundred yards A astern and her crew, gathered on the forecastle, a seemed confident of success : Seeing that the schooner had renewed her flight, ‘4 } the pirates uttered a ery of rage, arid distinctly was the cry of the drogher’s commander heard to once more fire “Oy the flying craft. , ‘After the next shet, senor, I will put her before _ the wind, and we may yet stand a chance to outwit vi the buccaneer, for you see he is now almost dead to ca windward of us and will have to follow suit if he an 4, chase, and in that case you will observe the h bow of the lugger will keep them from aiming the gun at us,” said Noel, who, at a glance, had ta- Si See tee Pglnattgne no ; nats «You speak , senor sre nage, clip i pag a trust you most fully— a! there comes And, by heaven! there goes. his gun! for, see oy eae feiss Matotaten itself and gone down into the hold!" aa cried Noel, in an exultant tone, — Dat All on board the schooner glanced at the drogher ro saw that Ni S had spoken trily, for the cannon, Be rude ‘bo and mounted, had re! supe | We overs a of powder, and had fallen to the deck _. below with a mighty c Rey Wea do Retr nm Ost = ox ith that threatened to break the stout hull of the veaees, x Sart i w I believe we are safe, if hyping get out / ih het A BT BE ; mn of range before they remount the gun. Go’ down into the cabin and bring me that: _ _Fifle suspended over the companionway-brackets.”’ e one wered the seaman, and yt Vecimenttae’ dn Che babe erent coe oe emis WHR" Rim® one of those’ long rifles, with oetagonal : f -_ oy! } } A } ih pt eens fe : é i \ ? n. “Yes/I am devoted to the sea; but look! the bue- | ed from an_ ——————— ee eee ee eet / Beadie’s barrels, small bores and carved stocks, that have be- come so famous upon our Western frontier. Again releasing the helm to Lalul, and bidding him keep the schooner steady, Noel coolly loaded the rifle, and then facing tne drogher suddenly, his quick eye ran along the barrel, and then followed the flash and sharp report, while a dark-visaged man stand- ing upon the bow of the lugger was seen to throw up ee — wildly into the air and fall backward to the eck, A cheer came from the crew of the schooner, and was answered by a howl from the buccaneers, one of whom began hastily to descend from the foremast, where he was at work out on the long spar of the foresail, where some of the lashings had been cut off by the schooner’s shots. As quick as were his movements, Noel was quicker, and, having reloaded the rifle, it was again leveled, and with a loud shriek, clutching at the air, the pi- rate fell into the sea and sunk beneath the waves, while his comrades hastily sought refuge from. the deadly aim by hiding themselves in the hold and be- hind the rears masts. But again the rifle pealed forth, and once more a pirate fell beneath the unerring aim; while a cheer of wiumph burst from the deck of the schooner. “Don Octavio, I believe we are all safe, for my mount their gun again we will be out of range. Here West, put this back in the cabin,’ and Noe handed the weapon to his mate, Soon it was evident to all that there was no more danger to be apprehended from the lugger, as, with all of her canvas spread, the schooner rapidly left her far astern, and by nightfall the drogher appeared only as a mere speck upon the ocean, The following morning the fair Violeta and her fa- | ther awakened to find the schooner riding at anchor in the harbor of Havana, and, indeed, were the two Cubans most anxious to return in some way the kindness of their preserver, who, with a strange mo- roseness, little like his frank and kind manner of the day before, refused all offers of hospitality or reci- pete trom those whom his courage and skill had saved. Hurt by his persistent refusal to become their rest, at their city mansion in Havana, and pained to n no way be allowed to prove their gratitude for the service rendered them, Violeta and her father at length took their leave of the young captain of the schooner, and were rowed ashore to the nearest pier, while Latul and the crew of the carrera quickly fol- | lowed with the baggage in another boat, which im- mediately returned to the yacht, CHAPTER X., FOLLOWING FATE. _As Don Octavio Guido was about to enter a car- riage, which Lalul had called upon landing, an ex- clamation from Violeta, who was already seated upon | the os seat, caused him to suddenly glance around, “What is it, my daughter?” asked the don, who was not yet in a pleasant mood after the refusal of Noel to become his guest, or even promise to call at his mansion. ‘See! see the schooner, father.” . Turning quickly, Don Octavio glanced over the har- bor, and, his eye falling upon the little vessel, he ee an exclamation of surprise, and said, mus- ingly: T Birange, strange; I must confess I am in the dark regarding the movements of that wonderful | | young man, ; : “Father, I think I have it. Don Noel evidently was not bound to Havana in his yacht, but upon some different cruise, and ee put in here to oblige us, and hence his immediate departure.’ “T believe you are right, Violeta, Well, I trust we | will meet him again, for I like not to be under such heavy obligations to any man,” and, giving the di- ) rection to the coachman where to drive, the don en- | tered the carriage an¢ drove from the pier, while the fair Violeta turned muny a longing glance toward | the distant schooner That her heart was deeply in- | terested in its dashing but moody young commander | was not wholly untrue, as we shall see. ; The sight that hatl so astonished Don Octavio and the senorita was the sudden hasty weighing of the schooner’s anchor, and the rapid manner in which she was spread with canvas, to stand swiftly down the harbor. There was reason for this sudden movement. naps American brig of war was gliding by into the rbori One glance upon the vessel and Noel’s face became as pale as death, for though with new spars and rig- gi , he recognized at once the vessel that had so ong been his home, and on the decks of which he r once been second in command. Sie “ West. os A ‘ a sir." ; ; ’ Mid Whit’ brig is that, just passing us?” and the ber Noel was low and deep with suppressed emotion. : The seaman turned quickly, and his own face Papi slightly as his eyes fell upon the vessel, while @ answered, in a low tone. . os Captain Noel, it is the American brig-of-war Vul- “Yes, my good friend; she escaped being wrecked, that fearful night, any hentai sent to these Waters.’ , “Yes, sir; I see Lieutenant Ainslie tersieck,”’ answered West the brig, though, like Noel, of the y those upon jeri athena “Prue, I ree e Alden Ainsli captain—yes, eink tensid bim siands a@ieniivchy, reeatains ntively regarding he kept the boon vessel-of-war. lv. rifle has taught them caution, and ere they can. and he is her in Bernard.’ Hali-Dime Library. been completed, and she immediately got under | co der gained more re; for life, appeared to — mman & gard aad eas “ became cheerful and contented with | had dogged his footsteps since his mand r, captain, and su; ted, for a motive schooner between himself and the view of Phe a ies ; be’ pat away for the coast of Cuba, humor hie faithful. frie before a fair tyeeze the f “Well, lam gled that they are both benefited by my leaving, and am glad to see that the reefer did not get himself into trouble, by his kindness in be ing’ my second.”’ “ No, sir; he seems to have been promoted, for he + wears a lieutenant’s uniform.” “You are right, West,” said Noel, glancing at the group of officers ne the brig’s deck, for the two vessels were but a short distance apart. Slowly the American vessel-of-war glided by, and headed further wp the harbor, and attentively did the two men on the schooner watch her motions un- til they saw her drop anchor a half-mile away. ** West.’’ PESOS Ty, 12 ‘*We are outeasts.”’ The words were spoken slowly and with deep feel- ing, and to them the seaman made uo reply, and Noel continued: “Yes, West, we are outcasts, and it is my hand that has brought upon you, as well as myself, the brand of exile from the land of America,” ‘Captain Noel, do not speak thus, sir; you nobly stood by me, sir, in my distress, and I but acted the part of a friend when the world went bard with you,” said West, feelingly. ’ “Indeed you did, my good friend; but, West, we cannot remain here; we must at orce away, and whither God only knows, for lam a hunted man.” “Yes, captain, we must away from here at once; but the world is wide and the ocean can be our home, Shall I get the schooner under way?” “Yes, immediately ;"’ and in ten minutes more the fleet little vessel was flying down the harbor and heading for the open sea, Having gained an offing, West called one of the crew to the wheel; and, beckoning to Noel as if he would speak to him privately, descended into the cabin, where he was followed the moment after by his commander, who had been idly watching the shores of Cuba disappear astern, and with bitter ? thought conning over the memories of the past that then crowded upon his heart and brain, When the schooner fled from Portsmouth, the night of the storm, she headed on down the coast and, with only her crew of two men, after a rapid run made the harbor of New York, In those days the telegraph and railroad did not fly across the country, and Noel well knew he could reach New York, ship there a crew, fully store his craft, and draw funds he held there on deposit, ere the news came of his crime and flight. He therefore Voldly entered the harbor and visit. ing his bankers, for his father allowed him unlimited credit, drew from them a large amount of money, which they gave to him without a word, though sur- prised he should need such a sum, But giving them no explanation Noel took his money, and visited a shipping merchant and at once urchased everything for a long cruise, besides be- ice so fortunate as to secure from the ship-chandler a small a ae brass gun, which he war anxious to possess himseif of, as he knew not what might cross his path during his cruise. : Going aboard to receive his purchases, Noel then sent Stranger, now known as West, ashore to secure a crew, and by nightfall the faithful fellow returned bringing with him a dozen good seamen, for he ha ; been most careful to pick only those men whom he ; felt could be relied upon in a difficulty, and were not particular as to the service they were to enter upon. With a few kind, but firm words, and an open, pipers manner that had rendered him ever popu- ‘ ar as an officer, Noel greeted his crew, and informed ie them that he was bound on a cruise of pleasure, and was destined for no particular point; but if the mesos, batt served him faithfully, he would never forget to loo wei after their interests and reward them, while, if they see oe otherwise, he would punish them most se- — sat verely. es Predetermined to like their commander from what West had told them, the seaman received his words flee with a cheer, and were then quickly divided into NS: three watches of three men each, for Noel had made pty West his first mate, and aun intelligent-looking fellow at At | among the crew his second officer, while thetwore- maining men served in the euewey of stewards, for which position rn J seemed most fitted. Tt was a Lm ight aboard the little schooner, but — 1 toward daylight all arrangements for her cruise had weigh and stood down the harbor, By sunrise she passed through the Narrows, and three hours after rounded the low point known as Sandy Hook, and immediately stood away to the cer pier Noel recklessly indifferent where he would go. } - But as the days. and weeks rolled by, the young interest in the cruise, take th con i le spirit, and a ey enjoyment, devoted him- ving u him, to the Yet, though Noel had at frst brooded. sad ower et, thou oel had at first br y ower the misfortunes that had overtaken him, and longed to end his miserable career, he soon banished from =~ him such thought, and to all outward pppearance e his hard lot, — Diss aE ythat duelwithhiscom- Wi 4 t A ‘y an in est was delighted at this change 3 wilt sarees narrative, that the yacht should _ Noel gave the o er, and — eet little vessel soon ram though at heart he deeply felt the pear in t friend
Page 9
down into the waters of the Gulf, and was steadily sailing along the coast of that ‘* beautiful isle of the sea,” when from her decks the carrera was discover- ed, flying with all haste from the clutches of the bueccaneer drogher. ——_— CHAPTER XI. THE MATE’S STORY. Yotiowre West into the cabin, for the manner of the mate proved to his commander he had some- thing important to communicate, Noel took a seat and quietly lit a cigar, while he motioned to his offi- cer to follow his example. *T will not smoke, thank you, captain, for I would use my tongue, as Ihave much to tell you. We are now drifting like an ourless barge upon the ocean, having no aim for the future, no destined port in which to drop our exiled anchor,” “You speak truly, West. Iam, as it were, a waif, going wherever the wind listeth,’’ answered Noel, sadly. “And this should pot be, sir, for with your will and courage as an officer, you should not be an unknown wanderer.” “Tt were better thus, my good West, for my hand is doubly-dyed with blood, and nowhere have I a haven of rest; }wt your manner indicates that you have something of importance to say.” “Thave, captain,” impressively answered the mate and pouring, from a decanter, a half-glassful of Seine he nk it down, and then, drawing nearer to his commander, said, in a low tone: ‘Captain Noel, I am now about to make known to | you the stery of my life, one of strange adventure, and you will then be able to discover why Lasked you so earnestly to cruise mn these waters. ‘**T am, as you see, and as many others have seen, a deformed man, a hideous caricature of the image of my Creator, but within my heart there is no de- N formity, though God only knows why it is not warp- ed {nto a shapeless mass of corruption. ‘My name, as I told you, is Westley North, and my father was an American who fought bravely through the war of ‘76 and then went to Mexico, where his wealth and influence soon gained for him a prominent position. : ; ‘In Mexico be married, so it was believed, the aughter of a wealthy Mexican grandee, and J am e result of that union, and my deformity was a curse upon my father for having ignobly deceived the trustin exican maiden who became his sup- posed wife; I say supposed, tor it was not known then that my father, while a student at Oxford College, England, had secretly married a young girl, the daughter of a poor farmer, “That poor girl he had pedir inet and re- turving to America had believed crime of deser- tion would never be known. ; “ But, ‘Man proposes and God disposes,’ and thus my crue! father reiurned to his elegant hacienda one night to find there in close conversation with my mother, the wife whom he had so cruelly deserted in England. ~ “At the sight of my father, my mother, who had just heard the story of the wrong done her, stretched forth her hands and fell fainting to the floor and la there like one dead, while near her stood the Englis oo and the man who had so deceived both of them, “*Well, woman, what do you here?’ asked my father, sternly. **T come to claim my husband—or his gold,’ an- swered the woman, quietly, ~ rY “My parent glanced one moment into the face be- ApS of fore him, and read there the wreck his deed had wrought, for all the beauty and refinement were gone, leaving behind only a look of despair, dissipa- ion and sordid gain, for upon her desertion by her ; husband the woman, driven by despair and persecu- AS. Ok a tion, had become hardened into the desperate ad- Ant 2S oy NONGOPESS, : ERR WOR, | “*Your husband, or his gold?’ said my father, --—-- sneeringly, repeatin, orm oe ‘ane ** Yes, Westley North; but I prefer the gold, and i gold J will have,’ “One moment my father stood in silence, his eyes i er alternateiy falling upon the unconscious form of my a a mother and then turning upon his wife; then he said, slowly: Ia is your object, you shall have it; bud linge ; “*Tf go Y z epon one condition. 4 i wee Name it.’ : wit, ‘tT “That you await her return to consciousness and then tell her what you have said is a lie—that, for- merly, you knew me well, in fact stood in a very _ elose relationship to me, but that we were in no way ally bound to each other, and desiring to obtain ; | you determined to claim me as your Ney you do this, Ellen?’ and as my father Spoke he gazed anxiously into the face of his wife. **Tpon one condition, Westley North.” **And that condition is—’ Pye ** That you give me one hundred thousand dollars.’ © One hundred thousand devils / Woman, I would pay a Mexican to have you murdered first,’ cried enraged father. ; haye not anticipated your worst and pro it? My murder would. hang you up to your own trees in less than twenty-four hours,’ triumphantly ore Dien venheek aaa F willintresy _ ** Kilen, you have vantage. ve you the mone hut, 80 help me, God! if ever you loss - my path again ou shail ies} ¥ ; "So beit; give me t magne § “*T have not one-tenth part of that sum by me, He aac { 80 * af m, , HN Wile YAnd the murder would out. Do you suppose I -cruis lyr, ided for | _ } that I should deprive you of this honor, for by edu- | The Flying Yan kee. again, and, dearly loving the story of the woman, ‘he mate paused, his face pale as death, and with a frank manner of sympathy and friendship Noel held forth his hand and grasped that of the man be- fore him, saying, quietly: ‘*My dear friend, from my heart I feel for you,” The mate made no nip 4 immediately, but again poured out a glass of brandy and dashed it off, after which he continued, in the same low and musical tones he had before spoken: “Yes, the lie was believed, and again my mother was happy, and my father seemingly so, for having paid into the hands of Ellen North the money de- manded by her, he had seen her depart for Vera Cruz, from whence she had given it as her intention to sail for England, “ But, let me hasten on, captain. ““T, the only offspring of this ijl-starred union, grew to manhood petted, humored and loved, even thoug I was deformed, “And through my years of boyhood I loved my pens the man who had cast such a stain upon my birth, “Yes, I /oved him, until one night, as we were re- turning together from a hunt, he suddenly fell from his horse, shot down by some unseen foe, “ Nearly wild with grief, Lraised him in my arms and bore hin toa cabin, which 1 remembered stood near, and roused the inmate, a strange, wild-looking woman whom I had oftenseen before, and wondered at her light hair and blue eyes, in strange contrast with the people of Mexico, “The woman met me at the door, and said quietly, as she observed the form in my arms: * *Ts he dead?’ «No, but I fear he will die,’ I answered, struck with her strange manner, *** Yes, he will die; 1 intended he should when I fired the shot.’ **One look of horror I turned upon her, and then wrought up to madness by her words, I sprung to- ward her, but waving me back, she cried: ** Hold! would wor learn the wrong done me, and you and one other, by that man? Listen.’ ‘Struck by her words I hesitated, and then she told me, in words that burned my brain and seared my heart, all that I have made known to you, “1 turned to the prostrate form of my father, and beheld his dying eyes fixed upon me, ** Speak, sir; has she tokl the truth, for you have heard all?’ [ asked, in a hoarse whisper. “*She has—forgive me, my—’ he could say no more, for his eyes closed in death, “Determined not to bring misery upon my poor mother’s head I told her not the story, but gave her to understand my father had been shot down by brigands, * Poor woman; the shock broke her heart, and a few months after she died, ignorant of the great wrong done her. “OCursing my bitter fate, I would not touch the old left me by my father, but dividing it between e@ government and the church, and thereby win- ning a distinguished name for piety and patriotism, Tleft my native land, and became a wanderer through- out the world, ‘ ‘*Embittered by the remembrance of what I was, I was reckless of honor and life, and in the end con- sorted with the buccaneers of the Cambbean Sea, to eventually leave them, and with ‘a strange fatality became a seaman in the naval service of the United States.” ‘West, you have indeed had a wonderful life,” said Noel, who had listened throughout to the re- cital with the deepest attention. “Yes, sir, a life heaped with curses; but, captain, T have not told you of my past, either to interest you in me, or for bravado, bul fon purpose.” * And that purpose is— “You shall hear, sir, You know at present that there is trouble in Mexico, for the entrance of the French into Spain has terminated Spanish power in my Combi land and brought on a war,” es.’ f “Well, my influence, for it is not known that I am an illegitimate son, is considerable in Mexico, caused, not only by the high position held there by the fami- y of my mother, the former influence of my ac- cursed father, but through my own act in giving to the chureh and State my vast wealth, ; ‘In this war the clergy of Mexico are Wrench important stand, and hence will willingly use their intluence in my behalf, and my proposition is to at once put the schooner away for Vera Cruz, where I have information that there are several swift-sailing vessels being built, to be commissioned by the pres- ent government as éruisers against the Wrench and panish, and all who copene ns new party.” “Go on, West; Iam listening.” — ; “Ay, ay, sir. Well, by going to Vera Cruz I can in for you a commission in the Mexican service, and the command of one of those fleet ers,” ** West, my noble fellow, I thank you; but is it fair soon obta cation and experience you are in every way fitted for it,’ tive of my hideous form ever to rig itup in the uni- form of an officer. Why, it is like dressing up a porpae in marriage garments. No, sir, I follow you, and no other man, _ a Tha ry * “We will go to Vera Cruz, get the vessel and free | ‘commission, which, by the way, from Mexico makes ter than brgcadeere and then, sailing for | us little bet | granted. “ment and fitting out of “TI may be fitted for it, captain, but I am too sensi- | 9 shipping as seamen on board a vessel-of-war, even . right smile 3 hey ’ CHAPTER XII. THE NEW CRUISER, Towarp the close of oneof those balmy, hazy evenings, So common in southern latitudes, and a month or so after the day upon which the exiled yacht was put away for Vera Cruz—the City of the iy True Cross, and also, as it is figuratively called upon account of its strength, the ‘** tron Gate of Mexico ”* a schooner of three hundred tons was running: brisle- ly along over the bright waters of the Gulf of Mexi- co, and with fore and main-sail jibed to port ane starboard, she was making eight knots wing and wing before the wind, and shoving a wall of foam from either bow. - The schooner had a decided look of mischief about her, for the hull was low in the water, of great length, and considerable breadth of beam amidship, which, with the very heavy sails she carried, epreet ng can- : vas enough for a vessel twice her size, made it evident she was built for the purpose of great speed. Excepting the briglit new sails, and a crimson belt ‘ running around her hull, everything about her was | as black as night, presenting the appearance of a MAE vessel intended for hard sea service, a Along the high and strong bulwarks, of sufficient hight to hide the upright form of a man, there ap- peared no sign of ports, though a glance on her decks showed that she carried four long eighteens to a side, while two thirty-two-pounder pivots were advantageously mounted fore and aft, to be used as bow and stern chasers, and also as a broadside, Every line and spar was in place, every rope peat. coiled, and her decks in perfect order, though pee: devoid of the number ef men that would have been looked for aboard a vessel of her arma- ment, for but a dozen seamen were visible, two who held the wheel, Another strange circumstance about the schooner Pade 9) was that bs pee each sail was worked, in red silk, a ons arge pair of wings, presenting a striking appearance nig relieved against the white canvas, and of sufficient size to be seen at the distance of miles; also, upon ; either bow, was painted a red wing, instead of a figure-head. ' Upon the quarter-deck stood two officers, who, though dressed in the gorgeous uniform of the Mexi- vif can navy, the reader will at once recognize as Noel naa and West, for their visit to Santa Cruz had been niga. most successful; a swift sailing vessel had been pur- vik chased, out of his own means, by the young Amori- -. can, after he had disposed of his own yacht, and he had found that West had not exaggerated his influ- ence with his government, for the commission of a free rover, under the flag of Mexico, had been readily including — CN With great care Noel had attended to the arma- h his vessel, which he manned only with the crew of the yacht, for it was his inten- tion to further follow the advice of West, and run to the haunt of the Caribbean pirates for the requisite ee number of men for the schooner, well knowing that i. they would prove a daring and. determined set, for q his former experience in fighting them had shown . him both their prowess and courage. ‘ ' With the bitterness of his crime rankling at his ' heart, and feeling himself an exile, a fugitive flyin re from justice, he had named the schooner the Red ea! Wing, and had the eee but appropriate device +s worked upon her sails and painted upon her bows, After running wing-and-wing down the Guif for — : some hours, the schooner’s course was changed, so ee as to bring the wind abeam; the foresail was jibed ag to leeward, the sheets drawn flat aft; and, close- ang hauled upon the wind, the graceful ‘vessel bent |. bravely to the influence of the stiff ; ks! “She sails like a witch, West; let us try her. > — ity more sail,” said Noel, gazing with pride upon p beautiful vessel. In obedience to orders there aro | from the deck a fluttering mass of canvas to the fore and main-topmasts, and settling into place weretwo huge gaff-topsails, which greatly added to the speed — be Ot Upon the deck of this Beet craft I tear AMY ‘Upon the de eet cra. ‘ear no vessel ghonte West,” said Noel, after watebing for enna: ptaines the action of the Red Wing under the heavy pressure and noting her increased speed. . EER pete! “AY, grr A ig aor our heels to at Reet ib cans, and easily run away from any Spaniard we cannot whip.” y y 2 fi a The wind favoring, neon of the following day saw — the beautiful schooner standing atoreieeale tone ay miniature bag area indented the of 8 small
Page 10
Pian aan ae a aN kta. Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. ee - ae ness of the scene, and the next moment an iron ball whistled across the schooner’s bow, “ They are wide awake, captain, I see; so we might as well display the private signals,” said West. Noel at once ran up to the foremast head a white flag with a scroll of parchment engraven in the cen- ter, while from the peak fluttered a large ensign of crimson, white and black. A moment more and the same colors were dis- | played in the hands of twomen, who stepped from their green retreat and waved them vigorously to- ward the schooner. - “All right captain; now I will go ashore, taking two men in the no with me, while you can stand oif and on in this little bay. IfI do not return in two hours’ time, you may know I have been treacher- ously dealt with, and at once put to sea, and return | to Vera Cruz, where you can get a crew, such as they are. ; ‘ “If suecessful, I will soon be back and being with | me the feons commander of this piratical haunt, who, if I do not misjudge him, will be only too anx- | ious to take his head out of the hangman’s coil by vailing it in the Mexican flag.” A moment more the ex-buccaneer left the schoon- er; and taking the helm himself, Noel, with the Red Wing under reduced sail, stood off and on to await his return. Keeping his eye directed landward, he saw his officer run ashore, where he was met by a number of men, who appeared to greet him warmly, and | watching them narrowly for a while, he observed a | half-dozen of the pirates enter the gig, which at once | put off for the schooner. As the schooner put about, the pig boarded her, and Noel having relinquished the m to Hart, his second officer, met West and the pirates at the gang- way. vy Captain Muriel, this is the commander of the Red Wing,” said West, as he stepped upon the schooner’s deck; and at his words, there advanced toward Noel a man of hardly more than twenty-three, with a slight but firmly-knit frame, and a face which, shaded as it was by long, dark, waving hair, and no beard, was almost of feminine beauty. / ' ‘Yet his compressed lips and cere, pereing eyes, denoted stern resolve and a brave spirit beneath the effeminate mask, while his easy manner, and grace- ful form, attired in a stylish dark uniform, made him appear as though the taint of piracy had never stained his young life. The young Spaniard, for such was his nationality, won a reputation as a most daring and skit: buceaneer throughout the waters of the West Indies but other than as a bold sea-robber the name of Muriel had never been connected with an act of cruelty toward the defenseless. o bag Muriel, I have often heard of you, and in battle we have met; but of that time we will not now speak. You are welcome on board the Red Wing,” and so saying, Noel offered his hand to the young chief. “Tthank you, sir; I have come at the estion of my old comrade here, and right gney o I hear that there is a fair prospect ahead for myself and men, for we have been ashore for some time now, having had our schooner sunk in an action with the United States gun brig Vulture.” ~* Indeed!" said Noel, while his face flushed slightly. “ Yes, sir; they caught us napping, and we had to fight it out. I lost my vessel, and with my crew fled In the boats, and the next day captured a large coffee drogher off the Cuban coast, armed it with an eight- | een-pounder taken from an old dismantled fort on the lagoons, and it served to bring us here to our | rendezvous,’ “You chased a pleasure carrera off Cuba, I be- | ve “T did captain; I intended to overhaul and take her for my own use until I could get a craft to suit me better; but a plucky little American yacht drove me from my prey.” ‘Captain Muriel, I commanded that yacht, and I ‘was only too happy in being able to save Don Octa- vio Guido and his lovely daugh—” “Don Octavio Guido! Was it his carrera?’ sud- denly asked the young Spaniard, turning deadly ar ““My God! Captain Noel, in saving that carrera from capture you did me a favor I shall never for- Fee said the Spaniard, impressively, and he held @) his hand toward the American, and after a pause continued: “The fire from the yacht injured the drogher con- siderably, and, in a leaky condition, I ran her here, where we have beemever since; but you have a pro- posal to make?” “Yes, sir; this vessel is commissioned by the Mexican gonercniey , andis destined to cruise against Spain and France, She is as fleet as a bird, a stanch craft, and well armed and equipped as you see. “Yet I need a crew of brave fellows to man her s, for. as you see, and I frankly tell you, I have ta dozen men with me. . i “West, here, will not accept a position as one of my Suet officers, so I give him that of boatswain, which he desires, and offer to you the rank of my first lieutenant; to any man of your crew, whom you may recommend, the» position of second officer, while Mr. Hart, one of ay yacht’s crew, will be my third. “Under the Mexican flag you will no longer be branded as outlaws, as you are now, and [ trust rize money will be plenty.” * Captain Noel, as frankly as you make the offer 80 frankly do I accept your kindness for myself and erew, for circumstances, not choice, made me a buc- paneer, rn “In regard to a crew, I can bring you, within the hour, a hundred brave fellows, only too willing to serve on the decks of the Red Wing.” After a conversation of half an hour more, Muriel, the newly-appointed lieutenant, went ashore to com- municate his tidings to his men, and upon the fol- lowing morning the beautiful schooner set sail from the island, her decks crowded with a hardy, daring crew, attired in the Mexican uniform, and ready to fight their guns to the bitter end, for one and all were at once won over by Noel’s frank and manly manner toward them. CHAPTER XIII. THE SEA ROVER’S GIFT. From her sailing out of the bay of the Corsair Is- land, the Red Wing commenced her career as a cruiser, and ere many months became known in the Southern seas as one of the most daring vessels that ever floated. Constantly on the alert, and flying from sea to sea, Noel soon gained the name of an implacable foe to Spain and I'rance, and though considered by the navies of the world as little else than a free rover, he yet won the admiration of his foes, and the respect of the English and American vessels-of-war then cruising in the Gulf of Mexico, Entering more and more into the spirit of his life of adventvre and danger, the young commander daily plotted to surprise and overwhelm his enemies, and few crafts were there that could long lead the fleet Red Wing in a chase, or that dared to meet her in an engagement at close quarters, Who was her brave and skillful commander none knew, though there were many conjectures regard- ing his name and nationality, some representing him as a huge, fierce giant, an Irishman by birth, others saying that he was none other than the renowned Lafitte, while still more professed to believe he was a woman in disguise, one whom disappointed affec- tion had driven to crime and piracy. Many were the vessels-of-war that had been sent forth to hunt down and capture the dreaded rover, but still the daring cruiser plowed the seas, and in defiance her sharp prow would cut the very waters bye bee by Spain’s strongest forts, and her anchors cleared away beneath the very guns of the Moro, those who gazed upon her tying quietly at anchor, believing her to be some graceful trading schooner, until when the shadows of night came on, some des- rate act oF onragS would alarm the harbor, and n triumph the Wing would fly seaward, after having — entered the Havana waters in disguise and capt or scuttled the rier ot tegt merchant- man, who little feared danger beneath the shadows of the forts. It was, when flying oceanward, out of the harbor of Havana, one night, and leaving behind a scene of dread and confusion, for Noel had daringly run in and fired a large powder-ship from Madrid, which had escaped him in a fog at sea, that the Red Win lag, across the Gulf with every sail that woul raw. ; Noel was pacing the deck, greatly elated at his last successful adventure, when his lieutenant, Muriel, advanved and asked: ; ‘What is your course, captain?’ ‘*Put her away for Vera Cruz, Muriel, for when in Havana I learned news that will decide me in chang- ing my plans somewhat, but—”’ * Sail ho!” suddenly broke in the look-out from the mast-head. / “Where away, my man?’ was Noel’s quick re- sponse. “ Dead ahead, sir; as well as I can tell in the moon- light she is a large vessel-of-war,” returned the look- out. “ Ay, ay; keep a sharp eye upon her. Mr. Muriel, call th vhow ‘oO quarters, and Mr, Hart, see That every sail is in readiness for use,’ ordered ‘Noel, and ascending to the mast-head, glass in hand, he soon was gazing intently ee the strange sail. After looking steadily through his night-glass for some moments he paraely descended to the deck, and, calling to West, his boatswain, to follow him, he entered the schooner’s cabin. ‘* Be seated, West, for I have made ® discovery.” The ungainly boatswain seated himself quietly upon a velvet divan, and his commander, after a mo- ment’s pause, said, in a low tone: “West, my good friend, when ashore in Havana I learned that hostilities had commenced between the United States and England.” “Indeed! I half suspected that war would follow the late high-handed outrages of England.” “War has followed, and I am determined I will nea remain an idle spectator, but join my country’s se “Are you mad, Captain Noel? Why, instant and ignominious death would follow,” suddenly cried the boatswain. “Did I give myself up, yes; but I do not intend that, and have now called you to the cabin to make known my plan,” “T am listening, captain.” ‘* Well, Iam now en route to Vera Cruz, to tender my resignation to the Mexican authorities, and, hav- ing done 80, I will at once refit the schooner, run her to the American coast, and get my number in crew complete, for we have suffered considerably of late in men, and then under simply my flag of the Red . Wing, I will cruise- i an unknown vessel, against the navy of Englaz a. “The schooner, af jou know, belongs to me; Muriel and the crew a#v no lovers of England, and I anticipate no resistance to my wishes; but, if [have any. shall put it down with an iron hand.” “ Here is my hand in the enterprise, captain, cud gladly do I second you, and I see no obstacle in the way of perfect success.” - I *“T knew you would second me, West, and hance I have first made known to you my intentions, “Thank God, though our beautiful schooner has often run the gantlet of American guns, we have never returned a shot upon the flag, and once, °° you remember, came very near being sunk by our non-resistance to that plucky little cruiser, which the schooner could have taken in a ten minutes’ combat.”’ “Yes, Iremember that you have nobly acted to- ward your country, in spite of the wrongs it has done ou,” answered: West, in earnest tones. “Wrongs that, n ayhap, I brought on; but of that I will not speak now. “As it is, we are looked upon as a pirate, for the Mexican flag is really no protection, as our experi ence with the navies of the world has shown, ant we are hunted down with persistent determination wherever we are found 2 at the high seas. ‘Branded as a corsair I may be in the future, but yet my native land shall never say I forgot my alle- giance or struck a blow against her, while for Ameri- ca I shall hunt down her foes. “Now to the present, When I ascended to the mast-head, I observed two instead of one sail in sight, and a close observation through my glass prove one to be a large English sloop-of-war, as well as I could make out by her rig, and she was maneu- vering so as to get the wind of a brig-of-war some three miles distant from her, and that vessel was one you and I know but too well.” “Ha! the Vulture?” ; ‘Yes; the brig-of-war was the Vulture.” “What a determined enemy she has proven to us! One would almost believe, Captain Noel, that she was sent out especially to take us, well knowing who it is that commands this schooner,” said West, houghtfully, “No, they do not suspect, I am assured, that you and I are here; but, Ainslie is a dashing, gallant fel- low, and the several other cruisers sai g under the Mexican colors having jee themselves nothin but pirates, as have the Carthagenians, and attack erican commerce, our navy consider it their duty to retaliate, and the Vulture would be only too happy to overhaul the Red Wing.” “Doubtless you are right, captain; but to the bass, sail—an engagement will follow.” “Without doubt, for Alden Ainslie and the Vul- ture crew will never fly from an enemy because he is their superior in guns and men, Hark!” e deep boom of a heavy gun suddenly rolled across the waters, followed by another and another in quick suceession, In an instant Noel sprung to the deck, followed by est. “Captain Noel, yonder two vessels are maneuver- ing to engage each other,” said Lieutenant Muriel, as his commander stood beside him, ¢ Yes, there will be an action, and a desperate ne,’ “Tt seems rash for yonder brig to meet his adver- sary, whieh, if I mistake not, is an Englishman.” > Yes, rash; but the battle is not always to the strong. The brig is the American vessel-of-war, Vulture, and it is my intention, Muriel, to hang off and watch the combat; so keep the schooner in her present course,”’ “ Ay, ay, sir,” promptly answered Muriel, although astonished that his commander should wish to en- danger the schooner in getting in range of a fight between two vessels-of-war. Yollowing the first guns, which had been fired from the Englishman, came a broadside from the Vulture, after which the two vessels, continuing to draw nearer together, poured in a hot and daniag- ing fire upon each other. A little more than a mile distant, the Red Wing appeared to be unnoticed by the sea-warriors, as, with a heavy spread of canvas, and her men at her uns, she bounded swiftly over the moonlit waters, yeading directly toward the scene of carnage; but from the schooner’s decks the flash of the battle- lanterns, the crash of timbers, the stern orders of the officers, and loud cries and cheers of the crews, mingling with the roar of the guns, were distinctly heard, and allon board the Red Wing gazed altef- nately upon the terrible scene, and then upon the tall and manly form of their commander, who stood with one hand resting upon the bulwarks, and his eyes firmly fixed upon the action. All but one wondered at his strange course, bui none dared to inquire why he was thus running his vessel into the lion’s mouth, and in silence gazed up- on him. “Mr, Muriel, an unlucky shot from the English man has carried away the American's tiller-ropex, and she is getting worsted.” “Ay, ay; they are pouring it upon her hot anit heav A moment he continued: her.” - “At the guns there! Double-shot all! Aim «¢ yonder large sloop-of-war. Ready, all—jfire/”’ ‘ The wild, ri tones of the order awoke the crew of the Red Wing like magic, for they knew that their commander was terribly in earnest, and x}. though they never had fired upon an English vesse!- of-war before, they unhesitatingly obeyed, and 4 fierce broadside of tame shot from'the sc ooner, asi a hailstorm of iron was hurled upon the Englishman, then but half a mile distant. “Stand ready to wear ship—ready about—forwaré and aft there, keep those thirty-twos playing with the broadside guns—ready, all—jire/” _ ry The voice of Noel arose loud and clear, and his orders were obeyed with promptness by the crew, whs, accustomed to scenes of carnage, were in their element when fighting their guns, and in a few mo- we Sr ehe eTeN ca hee tes answered the young Spaniard; and after » | “See! if she does not strike soon they will siuk .
Page 11
« in o no ] » CB ope » ments’ time the graceful and obedient schooner had delivered half a dozen broadsides from both star- board and port, and with terrible effect, for the fore- mast of the Englishman had, been cut away, the nizzen-topmast was tottering, and the Labbe ge hung dangling in the water as the vessel broached to, Completely hidden in the smoke of her guns, the schooner still bore down nearer and nearer, the crew getting their range from the orders of the man at the masthead, who gave them directions how to fire, as the topmast of the Englishman was distinctly visible to him above the smoke. : “She has come to, sir, and I think is unmanage- able,” cried the man from the masthead of the schooner, “Where away, sir?”’ called out Noel. “Directly off the starboard bow, sir.” *Helmsman, let her fail off—steady; aim low there at the guns—jire /”’ . The order was quickly obeyed, and the crashing of timbers and cries of the wounded proved that the iron messengers had found their target. But still the roar of the British guns was heard, re- sponded to by those from the Vulture, and then be- fore the bows of the Red Wing loomed the massive hull of the sloop-of-war, which still nobly fought, though between two fires. “At the guns there, double load with grape—steady as you are, helmsman—/ire /” A wall of flame, a hurtling of iron, a roar, a crash shrieks and groans followed, a lull of an instant, and then a cry came from the Englishman: “Cease firing; we strike!” ‘* Haul down your flag, and a boat from the Ameri- can brig-of-war Vulture will board you!” cried Noel, in a voice that was heard by the crews of each vessel, “Ay, ay; but what schooner is that?’ came the sullen reply from the Englishman, but no answer was returned from the Red Wing, which, still envel- oped in smoke, floated swiftly away before the wind, leaving the vessel she had so nobly aided to capture a prize to the Vulture, which, but for the timely aid of the schooner, would have had to strike her colors to her far more powerful adversary. As much astonished as were the Englishmen at the strange conduct of the schooner, the officers and crew of the Vulture watched her rapid departure, floating, as it were, on the smoke of her guns, and it was some moments ere an order was given to man a cutter to go aboard the prize, for all had distinctly heard Noel’s remark that a boat from the Vulture would take possession of the surrendered vessel-of- war. f CHAPTER XIV. AFTER THE COMBAT, Sri. enveloped in the smoke of battle that floated away before the wind, and appearing with her low hull and tapering spars, like a spécter shrouded in mist, the Red Wing flew on over the moonlit waters, Jeaving behind her astonishment mingled with awe at her strange course. Spreading ail the canvas that would draw, Noel paced the quarter-deck with a brow still stern, but upon which rested a look of satisfaction, for he felt shat he had done his duty nobly in defense of his dear old flag. Determined to now make known his new-formed resolution to his officers, he called to Muriel to summon them to the cabin. : Soon they were assembled, and Noel said, quietly: “You are aware, gentlemen, that Iam an Ameri- can, and also know that war has been declared be- tween my country and England. Hitherto this ves- sel has served under the colors of Mexico, and I need not remark here that those colors are little worth to us; but now, as the schooner belongs to me, I intend to put her in another service, and am bound to Vera Cruz _to resign the commission I hold from Mexico.” “We are listening, captain,” said Hernando Mu- riel, quietly, as Noel paused for an instant. “True—it is my intention to resign my commis- sion, and then tender the services of myself, schooner, and such of the crew as will follow me, to the Ameri- can Republic.” “Enter the service of the United States, captain?” asked Lieutenant Hart, a young American, ade had been tempted by the romance of a sea life to leave a happy home in New ay ee and since he had strayed from-the family reside, had been a wan- derer about the face of the earth. Rejoiced at the p ct of returning home again with the eclat of a naval officer, he was only too wil- ling to second his commander in his intention, as he believed it to be. “Tn one respect, yes, Mr, Hart,”’ continued Noel. “We are to serve the United States, and as I know that my good friend West is with me, and you are He ae ng, I must now find out the wishes of Senor uriel. “Senor Muriel is whdlly at your service, Captain Noel. You have drawn me from an eviblife, and I nanny vel a an instant to follow you wherever you may lead. “My good friends, I am delighted to have your support, and I feel that the crew will be easily won over, for none of them, I believe, hold sympathy with England. me of Sonar I anticipated my intention, and turned par broadsides upon an English vessel-of-war, that otherwise would have sunk, or taken the Vulture. “That act will cause us no trouble, as in a few days we will no longer be in the service of Mexico, but cruising the ocean under a flag of our own, for though it is my intention to make war upon r Jand, it isalso my intention to cease hostilities toward | France and Spain, and, while aiding America, kee stery who or what we are, for I will report 4 t no national colors, and touch at ted States except under disguise, — it The Flying Yankee. * After leaving Vera Cruz, I intend to run to some port where I can refit the schooner, rig her in new canvas, leaving out our red wings, and, painting her white, so disguise the vessel that none of her old friends or foes will recognize her. “Your old piratical haunt, Muriel, I will make our rendezvous, and also I have after plans in view that at present I cannot make known. ‘For reasons of my own, I intend to let the mys- tery of incognito hang upon: this vessel, and I feel that I will be ably supported by you. ‘* Now we will go to the deck and make known to the crew my intention of leaving the service of Mexico, and those among them = do not care to follow my fortunes I will land with their personal property for Vera Cruz.” “You will find the crew as ready as we are to fol- low your lead, captain,” said Muriel, as they ascend- ed to the deck, where the crew were soon assembled, and received the proposals of their commander with enthusiastic cheers. In due time the schooner dropped anchor in the harbor of Vera Cruz and Noel tendered his resigna- tion to the Mexican authorities, who accepted it with deep regret, for they were well aware of the valuable services he had rendered their tottering government. Purchasing all necessary stores and equipments and securing a full complement of men from seve American vessels then blockaded in the port, Noel secured a light-sailing schooner, loaded her with his purchases, and a week after the arrival of the Red ing, the two vessels set sail one dark, stormy night, and headed for the lonely island which had once been the resort of a piratical horde, and which the young commander intended should be his secret rendezvous, for Noel was determined he would not be known to his government other than as some mys- terious friend ever on the alert to secretly lend a meine hand. : ile the Red Wing is sailing for the island, wher she is to be ening’ pate into an American priva- teer, I will return to the night of the engagement be- tween the Vulture and the English sloop-of-war, and relate the circumstances following the departure vf the ma schooner. As Noel had surmised, the Vulture had been: .- fitted, after being wrecked by the lightning, and was placed under command of Alden Ainslie, while Cal- vin Bernard, after a court-martial investigation of the part he took in the duel between his captain and lieutenant, had been found “ not guilty ’ of any seri- ous charge, and was allowed to return to his ship, in which he soon rose to the rank of lieutenant. Alden Ainslie had proved himself an able officer, and under his command the Vulture had won re- newed honors during her continued cruise in north- ern waters. Thus it was that Captain Ainslie detern.med to fight, instead of fly from, the English sloop-of-war, a determination that would have cost him dear had it not been for the timely aid of the Red Wing, a schooner he had often endeavored to capture, and which had always eluded him, even though \vhen un- der his guns—for, knowing that other vessels carry- ing the Mexican colors were in the habit of pouncing upon American merchantmen, he deemed this fleet craft iikewise guilty, little knowing who it was that directed her destinies. When the English commander had hailed the schooner, and received no answer, a feeling of awe came upon the crew, for her mysterious approach, hidden by the smoke of her guns, her stil more mys- terious departure, silent and beautiful, caused them to look upon her as a weird craft with a weird crew, and many low whispers ran around the forecastle about their having surrendered to a phantom ship commanded by his Satanic majesty. On board the Vulture the feeling was still more suspicious, among the seamen, of their having re- ceived aid from the devil, and few of them felt at all complimented that his diabolical majesty had hon- ored them with his favor, for they feared, like the cat and the mouse, that he was toying with them ey fo make his presence more severely felt at a fu- ure day. All heard what passed between the English com- mander and his conqueror; that the surrender was accepted in the name cf the Vulture, and their ves- sel being known to the stranger was but another cause for surprise, and in some cases dread. Alden Ainslie had fought his vessel bravely, and only when he felt it was a useless loss of life did he intend to strike his colors, for he was compelled to admit his powerful antagonist was getting the best of the battle; but as the words of surrender were upon his lips he was startled by a loud crash of ar- tillery from another sueeter and he first beheld the unexpected ally that had pounced suddenly down upon the Englishman, nable to recognize the craft in the smoke that enveloped her, yet seeing that the Englishman was suffering severely, Camete. Ainslie determined to fight on, and soon had the satisfaction of hearing his foe cry for quarter, As soon as he could collect his boat's crew he left the Vulture and was put on board the English vessel, where he was met by her commander, who politely. yet pany, invited him into the cabin, as he tender S s\ ord. ‘ “No, captain; retain your sword, sir, and as your vessel and crew, like my own, have suffered severely, if you will give me your parole a’ honneur you can still hold command and follow me into port,” “Assuredly I give my parole, sir, and heartily thank you for your considerate kindness; but to whom have Isurrendered, may I ask?’’ answered the lishman, Ene am ‘Alden Ainslee, commander of the American brig-of-war Vulture; but the name of my timely ally I am ignorant of,” LS ey ety “A strange craft and a strange commander, t judge; but doubtless some Amorica's privatecr, that, trusting to her swift heels, ventured near enough to give you a helping hand, and I assure you a strong’ ~ hog he raked me fore and aft with terrible effect.” ‘But why should he thus disguise his name and nation?” asked Captain Ainslie, in a puzzled tone, “That I know not, for one would think he would only be too wanes ty exhibit his bantam form, and crow loudly over his achievement.” “Yes, one would think so, yet yonder he goes still enveloped in smoke and looking most spectral in the moonlight,” and all eyes turned upon the flying schooner, “Could you not bring him to? T have some long range guns forward that are at your service, and confess to a curiosity to see the bold mariner wha controls yonder craft,” and the Englishman raised his ag to his eye. “No, thank you; I will not do so; he has served me nobly, and I will respect his desire to remain un- known,’ answered Ainslie. “Nobly said, sir; but my men believe yonder craft is run by a devilish crew, and though education de- stroys, or should destroy, superstition, yet 1 confess to a feeling of uneasiness regarding her strange ap- pearance, even though he voice of her commander, wee hailed me, had a most metallic, quarter-deck ng.’ ef am also puzzled, captain, but attribute the strange conduct of the eraft to a freak of the com- inander, and not to an unearthly agency; but now I must return to my vessel, and as soon as my dam. ages are somewhat repaired I will head for Mobile, where you will please follow, even though we be- come separated on the way.” ‘You may rely upon my honor, Captain Ainslie, and I thank you for your kind consideration towar myself and crew,” and the Englishman held forth his hand toward Alden, who grasped it firmly, for he respected his brave though unfortunate foe, e two officers then parted, and just at daybreak, their vessels having been temporarily repaired, the. dead consigned to their sea-graves, and the wounded cared for, the Vulture got under way, followed by the English sloop-of-war, the crew of which fully ap- preciated the kindness shown them by their brave young captor, who had proven himself as generous’ as he was daring. All on board the Englishman had anticipated an easy victory over their smaller antag- onist, and keenly felt their mistake, for had not the American been so mysteriously aided their conquest. would have been a dear one. CHAPTER XV. THE FLYING YANBEE, A yHae passed after the incidents related in the foresror spapters, and the Vulture, thoroughly re- fittea and with a better armament and larger crew, was again at sea. Her course lay to the southward, down the Atlan- tic coast from Charleston, from whence she had sailed on a special mission, to bear Commodore Cut- ting to take command of the American squadron then cruising in the Gulf of Mexico, t was a clear moonlight night, but the sea rang high, for a heavy gale was blowing from the north- 2ast; but bravely the noble vessel struggled through the waters, staggering through only under her storm- 8 ails. Upon her decks were officers and crew, some en- joying the struggle between the ocean and the vessel and others attending carefully to the duties devolv- ing upon them. Standing near the wheel upon the quarter-deck were several officers chatting, and recognizable: among them were the tall and commanding form of Commodore Cutting, the elegant figure of Alden Ainslie, and the indolent, graceful Calvin Bernard, whose left arm was worn in a sling, for he had not re fully recovered from a wound received in the attle with the English sloop-of-war, The arrival of the Vulture in port, with her larger foe as a prize, had createa considerable excitement, especially when Captain Ainslie, Ciecleene all credit, had made known the circumstance of being: aided by his strange ally. Since then, incoming vessels had reported the ap- earance at sea of a strange craft that_was the true jiend of America, and the bitter foe of England, and many were the remarkable stories of how she wag seen only at_ night, enveloped in a cloud of smoke, and looking like a specter barque, also seeming like one, as, excepting a stern hail from her and the sound of her terrible guns, no one had ever held communi- cation with a soul on b - The subject of conversation that night on the Vul- ture, as she bounded over the gale-swept ocean, was this strange craft, and Commodore Cutting had just remarked his inability to solve the mystery, when Alden Ainslie rejoined: ‘Commodore, I am not superstitious, but I assure you the sudden appearance and strange behavior of hat craft when she saved the Vulture from capture made a deep impression upon me, an impression which the numerous rumors now afloat but serve to strengthen.” , * And that impression is, captain—?” ; “T hardly know; for, though I would laugh to scorn the belief that the craft is a phonies strongly inclined to favor America, yet what is she? I ask, and the answer is, a white schooner of remarkable build and speed, and one that carries full sail in a age which would run any other vessel beneath e sea.’ ‘And one that no one has ever been on board of, as far as we know—that has only hailed from her own decks, and though capt ' prizes has never boarded them, but driven them before her into some
Page 12
“= Fee mamas ee 12 port, where they have been safe under the guns of our forts,” put in an old weather-beaten sailing-mas- ter, who had passed forty years upon the ocean. “Has she ever been seen in the daytime?” asked Commodore mache | ** Yes,’ returned the sailing master, ‘‘she has been seen in daylight by her prizes, for I talked with a man who was mate of that English powder-ship she captured.” ‘And what said the mate?’’ asked Commodore Cutting, with interest, while the group of officers gathered more closely around, to hear the reply. *) ‘He told me what I will now tell you, and, though he is a kind of kinsman of mine, and my mother-in- zaw’s brother, I place dependence in his word, though I have little faith in the mother of any man’s wite, as the world goes, for the Lord Harry knows they are a queer set; not that a woman mayn’t be all right but let her get a son-in-law, and zounds, sir, it changes her whole nature! Such has been my ex- perience, and I giveit for the benefit of those young gentlemen here, who, you know, have the reputation of possessing a wife in every foreign port,for woman's eyes always glitter at sight of a brass button, and I warn them that they'll fare badly, and have a lively time at the Day of Judgment, when they have to meet a dozen or so mothers-in-law.” * But to.the story, Mr, Hendricks,” said the com- modore, amused at the master’s opinion of his w’ fe’s mother, ‘True, sir; well, you see, the old lady—” ‘ Hang the old lady, Hendricks,” _“SoT say, sir; but, you see, when I run atbwart ‘the memory of the old girl, she just boxes my com- pass, and it’s hayd to keep before the wind on any other course; but I remember now, we were discuss- ing the strange craft, and I was saying she ws most beautiful in build—’ ““You were saying no such thing, Hendricks; why, I verily believe the remembrance of the good dame hhas driven your wits from you—you were about to tell us what the mate of the powder-ship told you.” “True, sir, true; well, Thompsen—you see he spelt his name with a P, sir—well, he told me that they were running along pretty lively one night, and hoping to reach a haven held by the English, when suddenly they descried a misty blue light across the ocean, and in its midst was the most beautiful spec- ter craft eye ever beheld, “Thompson says all of them were scared nearly to death, when a flash, a heavy boom, and a whir of solid shot proved the specter could use mortal means, and this reassuring the captain of the US eae Poe he hoisted all sail, and determined to escape, for vessel was one of the fastest afloat; but, crowding sail was useless, for in less than an hour the stranger came up close astern, and hailing in a loud voice told the Englishman to change his course, and heac fur Charleston, as a prize to the United States Gov- ernment, “Compelled to obey, the Englishman did as or- dered, and the stranger then shortened sail so as to hang half a mile distant in his wake, and there he continued, day and night, until he drove the powder- ship under the guns of Fort Sumter, when the queer one a about and headed seaward,” “But, what did your relative say the craft looked like by ight?” asked Alden Ainslie, '“ He said she was a beauty, and only once could he see more than one man on board, and that was the helmsman; but he related how, when his captain thought one day in a blow, as his pursuer had dropped a mile astern, he would try to “escape, that suddenly a hundred forms stood in snow-white—you see the schooner was white from hull to topmast— were seen to spring to work lively, and in a minute the Flying Yankee, as the Britishérs call the stran- er, was after them like a hound, and the poor cap- n had to once more keep on his prescribed course, still dogged by his captor.” “A remarkable story, sailing-master, but it is gen- erally believed, and I confess to a deep-seated desire to know more of this terror of the British—the Fly- ing Yankee; why, I would give my next year’s pay ‘to solve that—” * Sail ho!” ‘ The ringing ery of the look-out from the mast-head ‘broke short the words of the commodore, and caused all to start, for the conversation they were holding regarding the mysterious character of the strange vessel, caused all to feel a certain superstitious dread in their heai ts. ‘** Where-a-way, sir?” eg beheld her—saul, ho!” “Sail, ho!” : “Sail, ho!” ; The cries rung out suddenly from a dozen different parts of the vessel, and all eyes turned to windward, ship. ugh the ; : mile or more distant, and distinctly seen in a and % bluish, misty cloud, that. looked spectral in the moon- Ht ight, was a large schooner, crouching low in the wa- _ ter, an th her tapering masts crowded with can vas from deck to topmast, while, as light as a bird, she seemed to. fly from wave to wave. * Godin Heaven! It is the specter craft!” cried the old s pe maeie, while a dozen voices said in suppressed tones: — : Phe Flying Yankee!’ ” f “Yes, boys, the Flying Yankee: and it remains _ with us to solve the mystery, for though she has : tg | phe _ commodo fA “It is en a friend to us, we will find out who and what is. Clear that Barve, Mr, Bernard!”’ cried the iy. . ae 1 ea we ee ee ern é is not in sight, now, sir; but a moment ago I where they beheld a sight that sent a thrill of horror F ie thro i A . | vessel so very much our superior as— ble to clear for action in this gale, | Naor rm ee Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. sult. See! how she comes down upon us!” and Com- modore Cutting apne to the misty-looking schooner, that, with apparently every stitch of her snowy canvas spread, was rushing down upon their quarter, and rapidly overhauling the brig. “Yes, she seems to fly, for I can already distin- | guish the twomen at her wheel,” answered Captain | Ainslie, as he turned his glass once more on the ap- | proaching vessel, All stood in silence, regarding the stranger, each officer and man instinctively taking his position for action, and each one turning over in his mind what could be the meaning of the strange appearance, Bounding madly forward, over and through the st) rm-swept waters, the Flying Yankee came on, un- til she obtained a position to windward, and off the | starboard quarter of the brig, when suddenly a tall form, clothed in white, sprung into the main *rouds, and in trumpet tones came the hail: a Piag A the Vulture!” } “My God! he knows us! Itis the devil that runs that craft!” cried the sailing-master, with awe. “Silence, sir!’ sternly said Captain Ainslie, and then thro ‘gh his trumpet, he answered, “‘ Ahoy! Is that the Flying Yankee?” “Ay, ay, sir!’ came the answer. “Well, what would you?” again asked Alden. “Commodore Cutting is aboard your vessel, going to take command of the Southern squadron; but your fleet was defeated some days since, and driven into Mobile, where they now are, while a large En- glish man-of-war, in a crippled condition, is, at pres- ent, repairing damages in the mouth of the St. | John’s river, The two vessels taken by the English fleet, are now armed with British crews, and lying in | wait to take by by strategy upon your arrival. The above had all been spoken in clear tones, and one and all heard every word with strange surprise and deep regret, for none doubted the i formation received from their mysterious companion, **Ts all this true you telly’ called out the commo- dore, in his stentorian voice. * Upon my honor, yes.”’ “T thank you; but in the name of heaven, who, and what are you?” ; “ The Flying Yankee, and the Ocean Outcast.” The words rung with metallic earnestness, and a tone of deep bitterness pervaded them; but ere more could be said, the commander of the weird-looking vessel sprung ‘back upon his deck, and instantly the sharp bows swept round, until the long, needle-like bow-sprit pointed Mra into the wind’s eye, When, away darted the Flying Yankee, back in the direc- tion from whence she had first been discovered. “Well, commodore, what do you think of that?” “T know not what to think, Ainslie; but I believe his words, and shall act accordingly; what say you?’ ““As you do; I believe the expected British fleet has had good weather, and arrived two weeks soon- er than we anticipated, thereby surprising our squadron; but, would it not be a good idea, sir, to put: into the mouth of the St. John’s, and verity the statement of the itn dn: Bytgear it We may be able to surprise and capture the crippled Britisher.” “That is a good plan, and one I will act san Se) give the necessary orders, please. Ah! youder still flies that weird craft under a press of sail that, in this gale, would run a line of battle-ship under,” and the commodore pointed to the distant schooner, still beating up into the wind, without having reduced a single square foot of canvas, as she sped on, leaving behind her a most uncomfortable feeling in the minds of all on board the Vulture, for they could not get rid of the thought that some supernatural agency controlled the destinies of the mysterious unknown, CHAPTER XVI. ‘ THE GRAND PRIZE, TowArD nightfall of the day following the meeting with the Flying Yankee, the Vulture sighted the coast of Florida, and a few hours after glided slowly into the mouth of the St, John’s river, where she came to anchor close under the shadows of the foli- age-clad banks, . Calvin Bernard was then sent of in the ‘argest cut- ter, with a picked crew well-armed, to reconnoiter and discover the whereabouts of the British vessel- of-war, for none doubted that the words of the Ily- sag ice would prove true, Midnight came, and the returning boat was ob- served approaching through the goer with rapid ‘stroke, and, springing to the deck, Calvin Bernard informed his superior officers that a British vessel, as well as he could judge, a large, square-rigger, ‘carry- ing forty guns and a full crew, was lying moored to the river , Some six miles above, while her men were encamped on the shore near by. “T should think she was undergoing a thorough overhauling,” continued the lientenant, ‘for all of her crew appeared to be ashore, assembled around their camp-fires, and I noticed that her mizzenmast had been shot away and her bulwarks seriously shat- tered, for I was within a cable’s length of her, and the camp-fires cast a ruddy light upon her hull.” said Captain A “Yes, it must be so, and can be taken by surprise; otherwise it would be madness to pea te attack a bless us! see there!”’ bath All turned quickly at the sudden exclamation of _the young lieutenant, and beheld almost upon them, and sweeping by vefore a stiff breeze, the Flying Yankee, still carryin; ed in the misty halo that everywhere from topmast to ‘| Ere a word could be said the ; me form, before voice hailed: “She is ag er agen then of our presence?’ - e., ng a press of canvas and envelop- ‘ed to pervade her are. gs pe her into the main shrou and his clear \ after from training their own | guns upon their camps, compelled them to ask Tor s ‘Ahoy! the Vulture!’’ “Ahoy!” cried Commodore Cutting. “Would you take the ‘Englishman, get at once under weigh; go silently to quarters, double-shot your guns, and follow me,” came the ringing order as the schooner swept by, and soon disappeare around a curve in the river. At once all was activity on board the Vulture, for not an instant did the commodore and Captain Ains- lie hesitate to obey; the anchor came up at a run, the sails were let fall, the bows swung off, and swiftly and silently, with her men and ofticers ready ae eager for action, the Vulture sped on in the wake o. her strange guide, determined, come what might, to follow to the bitter end the adventure before her, Yet, fleet as was the brig-of-war, the Flying Yankee rapidly left her astern, and Calvin Bernard had just remarked that ere long they would round a bend that would give them a view of the British, when sudden- ly loud cries were heard ahead, drowned the moment after by the roar of artillery, which, with mighty echo, reverberated along the wooded shores, “The Flying Yankee has opened, for I recognize the peculiar roar and rattle of her guns,’’ exclaimed Alden, quickly, and as he SPORE, peal after peal of artillery shook the air, mingled with loud cries and stern orders, The next instant the Vulture rounded the bend, to behold a strange and stirring scene, The Flying Yankee was sailing swiftly by the Eng- lishman, about a cable’s length distant from the ship, and her decks were ablaze with light as her guns were discharged with lightning speed and perfect regularity by what appeared to be a ghostly crew, for every man was clothed in pus white, while his face was concealed beneath a closely-fitting mask of bright crimson. Each gun from the strange vessel was most skill fully aimed, and sent death and demoralization inta the British camp. In vain did the English «ficers strive to rally their crew and lead them aboard their crippled vessel to man the guns, As the crew of the Vulture gazed upen the excit- ing scene the Flying Yankee passed on up ihe river for a short distance, and then gracefully ard ewiftly coming around headed down-stream, while | er ster- board guns again opened mb the frighicred Exrg- lishmen, and with terrible effect. Having sped by the line-of-battle ship the beau- tiful schooner ceased firing as suddenly as sku had commenced; her ports were closed, ard as silently and peacefully as a toy ship, she few dewn the river until she came abreast tha waive that was rushing on to meet ber foe with all baste. All eyes sought the beautiful schecncr gerd cb- served the same man vpon hen quarter-deck wl ¢ had before hailed them; but his face was nrihed » hind a crimson shield, and defied recogniticn. **T have thrown them into confusion; pvsh cn ara lay the Vulture alongside the slip, and she is y curs,” **Ay, ay, sir!’ cried Alden Ainslie, ard ine «icw broke out in three lusty cheers for the Flyii g Yan- kee, which, the next moment, rounded the Liid tud disappeared from their sight in her seaweic f ¢ bt. ‘* Ainslie, he has wen for us the ship, 1c1 £¢¢—the British are ie ge demoralized! ELensmor bring her closer yet! Now, Captain Airsiic,a Lele rush and you have your prize,” cried tLe cid ccm modore, with euthusiasm, oe * “Ay, ay, sir! At the guns there! Am at tha crowd rushing for the ship; jire/” _ The Vulture’s hoarse guns belched forth fire end iron hail, checking the advance of the few men whom their Geka had rallied and wee leading toward their | nips but momentary was ike balt, for again the English rushed on, ‘Fire away, my hearties;. aim t ue, and Icad heavy, or they’il meet us yet on their own Ccecks} Steady as you are, helmsman! there, that will do! Now, Mr, Hendricks, dit d her of sail—liy ely, lively and ‘she'll float w ently and not crush sn eg x and, cheered Ry their captain’s distinct c1ccrs the crew of the Vulture sprung to their work. ' ight oars of her canvas, yet still forging forward and obeying her helm, the Vulture scon 1an gent alongside the Englishman, ard in an instant the twa ships were lashed firmly together, bicadside te broadside. ; E With a yell the Americans followed tt eir gallant captain upon the Enghshinan’s decks, just as the British seamen, headed by their officers, Jumbered over the other bulwarks, and at once the ccnikat be came flerce and sanguinary, ! > Affrighted at the sudden terrific spectacle of the Flying Yankee, bien down in their camp by her mur- derous guns and keaten back from thei ship, the English were taken at a disadvantage, and i w. some time ere their Cfficers could r ' Stitious crew to action, for one and all the weird schooner that so Reet iceey SMCES the seas; but, when the specter craft, as they it to be, headed seaward, and they were confronted with a mortal crew and a lona fide vessel, they quick- ly sprung to their posts and bravely met the Ameri- cans face to face, although their numbers had been greatly reduced by the fire cf their unknown foe. Had it not been for the rnexpected aid from the ‘Flying Yankee, there is but Jittle doubt that the Americans would have been defeated, even though — they had surprised their enemies, for vere greatly outnumbered both in men and guns; but paving this advantage, and possessing both skill and indom ene cour e, Captain Ainslie and his crew s ut terrible contest hu: Tal ee . - ‘ x ' Y hit ead heard of © + om , - ne
Page 13
r- The Flying Yankee Learnin : report of the Flying Yankee was correct, as regarded the defeat of the American squadron in the Gulf, Commodore Cutting at once determined to dispatch his | arpa to Savannah overland, and bring back | an merican crew for the prize, which, in the mean- time, could be refitted for sea, so as to sail in com- | pany with the Vulture. From Sir Macy Northcvee, the British commander, Commodore Cutting could glean no information as to what was the mystt:y hanging over the Flying Yankee, and the Englishman was greatly surprise to learn that the weird vessel was as wholly unknown to the navy of the United States as to that of Great | Britain. “ The strange-looking vessel first appeared to us,” said Sir Macy, in his interview with Commodore Cut- ting, ‘in the t of battle, and her guns were fired with the greatest precision; so much so, in fact, that I poured upon her several broadsides, although se- verely pressed at the time by one of your large cruisers, “Ap ntly my aim was bad, for the schooner re- mained unhurt, and as she disappeared in the smoke of battle shortly after, I forgot about her until the action was over, and then nowhere could she be seen. “T put in here for oe for I sadly needed them, and the schooner must have dogged in my wake, as you say it was from her you gained the information regarding my whereabouts,” “Your crew, I see, stand in terrible fear of the Flying Yankee,” said Alden Ainslie, ‘Yes, captain; they look upon her with holy awe, for strange rumors regarding her mysterious move- ments and appearance were afloat in England before we left, and all they have seen here goes to strengthen their belief in the supernatural powers of the ng Yankee. Can you make no guess as to what she is, by whom commanded, or the motive that leads to her masquerade?” “None; no more can I solve that than 1 can the problem of the spectral light that ap to sur- round her, and the cloud of mist, or smoke, in which she seems always enveloped,’’ said Commodore Cut- ting. Witrenine: very § al “It is indeed; yetin the tones of her commander —and I confess I never heard a voice more ringing and stern—I think I trace something familiar—” “And I also, Commodore, for I could swear to having heard his voice before. Have you thought of whom itreminds you?’ asked Alden Ainslie, “Yes, it sounds like the voice of poor Monerief in battle, for you remember he sailed under me for rs.”? . ‘Yes, it had the same startling, ringing tones I have heard from Noel when in action, but then it cannot be he.” “ Moncrief, Moncrief? Was not that the name of one of your most brilliant officers, who slew his su- perior ina duel and then fled his native land? I was Ponistng in these waters at the time,” said Sir Macy. “Yes, poor fellow, he fled in his own yacht, ac- companied by one companion who had aided his es- cape from the Vulture, and as he put into New York and armed and equipped his little craft, I feared he had determined to turn free rover, and my fears were ized.” ‘ i ‘Se me a pirate, then?” asked Sir Macy. So it was believed, and met a sad fate, for some two years ago his yacht, which had been committing some depredations along the Gulf coast, and upon Southern commerce, was attacked by a revenue cut- ter, ae refusing to surrender, was sunk with all on ar ’ “He died game, even though a puat “Yes, it was just like Moncrief to die at his guns, ' poor fellow,” and an ression of sad regret stole over the face of the old commodore, for he had dearly loved the erring young naval officer, to whom he owed his life, for in a gale at sea, when swept away by a age Ware that washed his vessel’s decks, Commodore Cutting would have sunk to rise no more, had not Noel, knowing his commander could ot swim, sprung overboard and sustained him until the life-boat was launched and both were rescued from their peril. ’ oe] Moncrief was a midshipman then, and years had gone by since, but still the old seaman had not forgotten the brave preserver of his life, and mourned in secret his fate. CHAPTER XVII, - ON BOARD THE SEA-SLIPPER. oe eager 8 hal Daven- kad d th seldor her "Havana, fo from the English commander that the | tined for the West Indies, besides sevezal Spanish and American passengers, anxious to leave the coun- try, some to return home, others on account of busi- ness, and a few for pleasure. Rather than be blockaded for an indefkaite time in port, the passengers were willing to risk the danger of running eut, trusting in the weatherly qualities and speed of the £ea-Slipper, and the courage and skill of Captain Davenport, who had armed and manned his vessel with five guns, and a crew of forty men, which would enable him to beat off any small enemy | that might cross his path, Miles off to windward the eye of Captam Daven- rt noted several sail which he well knew to be | British cruisers, and from them his glance fell upon | a dark cloud that broke the level circle of the hori- zon, and his face wore a serious look, for he had not anticipated having to brave a storm as well as the English, for well he knew, unless he gained a good offing before the gate broke upon the sea, he might be driven back by it, or into the midst of his foes, Near by the captain, leaning upon the taffrail, and also glancing at the distant sail, stood two person- 48, whose bronzed complexions and dark eyes be- | tokened their nationality, or that they were of the | Spanish race; but the reader has met them before, so a description is not necessary, for they are father and danghter, Don Octavio Guido and the lovely Vio- leta, whom the bravery of Noel, and the speed of his little yacht, had saved from capture nearly three years before, when chased by the pirate drogher off he coast of Cuba. Since that time Don Octavio and Violeta had been traveling in Europe, and afterward in America, but in all their roamings they had not forgotten their strange preserver, of whom they could never gain the slightest clew as to his whereabouts, Often had they spoken of Noel, and his rather abrupt refusal of their invitation to their home in Havana, and seldom did his handsome, sad face pass from the mental vision of the Cuban maiden. Now they were upon their return home, having | been detained, beyond their intended stay in Amer- ica, by the war between the United States and Eng- land, and glad at the prospect of once more setting foot upon their “ beautiful isle of the sea,” both fa- | ther and daughter wore a ors look, as the Sea- | Slipper leaned majestically to the breeze and bound- ed rapidly along the restless waters. Promenading the deck, with an exceedingly steady | tread for a landsman and landswoman, were two | other passengers, the one a dignified, noble-lookin | gentleman, with snow-white and mustache, an a figure erect and military, while leaning upon his | arm was a maiden of surpassing loveliness in both form and feature, though there rested upon the re- fined face a look of touching sadness, for the droo) ing of the perp Baga eyebrows could not hide the wells of sorrow within, The two were characters also heretofore brought before the reader, for they were Colonel Moncrief and his ward, Eve Eldred, for love of whom a brother had raised his hand against a brother's life. A dark shadow had fallen upon the Moncrief Manor after the flight of Noel, and the blow had well-nigh killed the loving father and the maiden, but Time heals all wounds of the heart, or at least cicatrizes them, and once again contentment, if not happiness, res upon the grand old homestead, Then the cry of war aroused the sleeping fire in the bosom of every American, and sending for a | lady relative to come and live at the manor with | Eve, Governor Moncrief buckled on his armor, and at the head of a regiment, took the field against America’s foes, : Time flew on, its wings laden with the honors, the lory, the sorrows of war, and at length Colonel oncrief fell, severely wounded, at the head of his regiment, and was borne from the field in an almost gs orate ks ring he recovered suff ut, r weeks of suffe , he recovered suffi- ciently to return to his home, where he remained for some months, unfit for service in the field, until ad- vised by his physicians to seek a change of climate, the better to restore his health. Acting upon this suggestion, and accompanied by his ever-faithful nurse, for he loved Eve Eldred as though she were his own daughter—the two had set sail in the Sea-Slipper, determined to pass the winter in Havana, and already with renewed vigor, as he aes oe hoe» = a eo Bee paced , With uick tread, the decks of the ant vesse. mM Sail, ho!” suddenly rings from abaft, in the clear tones of the look-out, and instantly all on board are eagerly scanning the blue horizon for the strange vessel, ““Whereaway?” cries Captain Davenport, a stout, Witenes old sailor, as he glances aloft. ahead, sir, continued: “ Doubtless she is some of our American privateers, same, for I was wont to 1 first mate, who was standing near, his glass leveled. upon the newly-discovered sail, ‘True, she can catch us upon any wind.” “The Flying Yankee! You have then met with this ocean mystery, captain?” said Colonel Moncrief, with interest, and around the old seaman at once gathered Don Guido, Violeta and other passengers, “T have sir, and the eraft is indeed _a mystery; in fact, I have not only met her, but the Sea-Slipper was. once saved from capture oy ner,”’ “Indeed! Will you tell us the story, captain?’” asked Don Octavio, with considerable interest—an in- terest that seemed shared by all Mikngene “It is a short story, but I will tell it you with pleas- ure, ladies and gentlemen, “You see, it was on my last run into Mobile that I. was chased by two British war vessels, a brig and a, uare-rigger, and I was showing them a clean pair of heels and rapidly running for a haven, when sud~ denly round a point of land came eh bh me | brig, that at once showed armed ports and the flag of Eng- land waving over them, “This was a scrape I little liked, and I felt that my chances of gaining port were slim indeed, for the vessels in chase were but four miles astern, and the one last discovered, just in my course, half that distance away, “‘I determined to round the point upon a different, course from the one I was then on, and endeavor to keep the land between myself and my new enemy. * But it was of no use, and I was about to attempt. to run the gantlet and again put to sea, when sud- denly I descried a strange sail coming from a small inlet and shooti aes across my bow, so as to head me off, I believed; but I soon found it was the brig that was the game, for the new-comer, whose auda- city surprised myself and crew not a little, she bei aschooner and little able, we believed, to cope wit, the porecrol brig-of-war, headed directly for the Englishman, ** Lying low in the water, and with a prow as sharp as a blade, her decks overshadowed by masses of snow-white sails, the plucky little craft flew on at a speed I believed hardly possible, and coming in range epee’ with a large gun, mounted upon her forecas- e, upon the Englishman, who was soon compelled to let the Sea-Slipper go, and look after the schooner, 7" * With a precision that was remarkable, the schoo- ner’s guns were fired, and though the brig opened. heavily also, it was of no use, for in fifteen minutes: she was a wreck, and the daring craft that had proven more than a match for her, was energy eg 0 sea, Without having received a single shot, that I. could see, to mar the beauty of her white hull and S. “ As for the Sea-Slipper, she escaped, and as far as: we could see, we observed the schooner flying sea- ward, firing rapidly from her stern guns upon tke two vessels-of-war, that had giving up chasing me to . pursue the audacious American craft, “That little craft was what ‘s sown as the Fly- ing Yankee, and whoever her commander is, he has won areputation for bravery and seamanship second to that of no man ir our navy.” ; “Tf he be a man at all,” suggested Mr. Conever the mate, in a voice of uperstitious doubt. nsense, Conover; the schooner hes won her name of I'lying Yankee by her wonderful s > and her determined war upon the enemi our mighty Yankee nation, As for the aye w overhangs her, it arises from the fact that, except- ing to hail a vessel, none on board the queer-craft ever hold converse with mortals,” an nor egg! a sg in ght thet. ean to flo: ptain, an e strange lig at hangs aroun her?” asked the eal mate, i. Ener won have eee tant “Does she carry no ors, cap! as wnt pie oateic national colors, sir—onl flag ‘She es no natto colors, a representing a schooner sailing pon a tampes tossed sea, the craft appearing to be worked in yar ver Bye she ree dg’ her a Dra’ pa while a owy cloud appears to pervade the Dit avery Panet bal tities tt eo Yankee has ‘If every repo tS) é@, the Ih ee been of the greatest service to the Aimesions cause, for [have heard of her protecting and convoying a number of our merchantmen into port, and also of several desperate actions she has had with British gees ene her size and metal,” said Colonel oncrief, “Yes, sir, and report says true of her, but— What. do you say, my man?” and the vm cy lanced to- bpanbe the man in the main-top who hailed the _ eC Vig ty hh Aig te Toe bay 4 \ fact Tae 91" + oy Wh ibe or that I cannot pe f and. Don Guido tens, with Ps
Page 14
Shae : 14 and gaze for hours upon the Red Wing, whose cruis- re Asrapinte was near us for months,”’ remarked Vio- eta. “You found the Red Wing then a merciful foe, it seems?” ris Eve, turning her beautiful eyes upon the face of her scarcely less lovely companion. ‘““Yes; never did we have cause to dread the terri- ble craft; but see, lam now the more convinced yonder schooner isthe Red Wing. Although her top- masts seem far taller, and she is painted white, yet ' she has the same sharp bow, great breadth amid- - to clear ere the cruisers had ships, and lean stern, with the same low hull and ta- on masts, as well as the great length of bowsprit hat the Mexican had," continued Violeta, still keep- the glass to her eye. . wy, lady, you are quite a sailor,’ remarked ‘Colon Moncrief, with surprised admiration. “Yes, sir; my father is a yachtsman and I have assed much of my time in sailing with him,” re- ‘turned Violeta, and the ice of reserve having been broken between them the two gentlemen and maid- ens soon became most friendly with each other. “Well, captain, what do you make of the craft?” asked Don Guido, as the old seaman descended to the deck. “Tt is the shadow schooner, sir.” “Oaptain, my da’ nizes in her Spain’s old aa ED gs Red Wing.” “A you so? Why, , you area better sailor than I am, for I now see the resemblance that tortured my mind when I first met the Flying Yan- kee, to recall the craft she reminded me of; I be- lieve you are right, for I once came athwart the Mexican cruiser, Wing, and I will oy he never met a more perfect gentleman than was her com- mander, ora more thorough seaman. “T was in Havana, awaiting yey to my vessel, not the Sea-Slipper, but a brig, hat had been dis- mantied in a hurricane, and, hearing ill news from home, I took e in a Spanish vessel bound to New Orleans, and when three days out we were chased and overhauled by the Red Wing. “The largest number of our passengers were wo- men, and so observing, for we could not keep them below, the young pirate would not fire upon us, but ran the gantlet of our guns, boarded us, and captur- ed the s oe ten minutes, although our crew out- numbered him two to one, ‘** Finding that the freight was owned by American merchants he would touch nothing, after half an hour let the ship go on in peace. . “Yes, yonder schooner is very much like the Red Wing, and I woud say it was that famous craft, had she not been said to have gone down ina one The schooner was now hardly more than a mile distant, but suddenly peeing. her course she stood off from the ship’s course, ani eaters coming on soon after, she disa peared from the sight of those on board the Sea-8 pper. CHAPTER XVIII. THE MUSTERIOUS PILOT. , an ther upon the r ous regarding the safety of the ves- sel, for each moment the storm swept on with greater force, and the British cruisers had so maneu- vered that they had managed to get the advantage of the clipper, by heading her off and still keep- ing to seaw ot her, and Captain Davenport be- ie to dread the thought of having to oe back be- ore the storm and again seek the port from which he had sailed. Upon his port-quarter was a low point of wooded land, jutting miles into the sea, which he had ho vered his intention of running out, but the increase of the wind and heavy beat of the waves had so retarded his pro- gress that when night came on, with its gloom and gale, he had not weathered the land, although the good ship had done her utmost to accomplish all at was expected of her, : **Conover have you the bearings of that point of po A suddenly asked Captain Davenport of his mate. “ Ay, ay, sir; itis just now off our port-quarter,”’ ‘Is that light not from some cabin on the land, for you know since the war broke out the light- house has not been ee a and as Captain Daven- rt spoke he pointed ahead to a light but indistinct- Fy seca through the haze. “No, sir, that is a vessel.” “Then, by heaven! we are headed off—ha!”’ __ As the captain spoke there suddenly shot up into the air a bright rocket, which momentarily lit up the gloom, and a large vessel-of-war was descried not more than half a mile distant, and dead ahead of ‘the clipper. “Stand ready all to wear ship!” suddenly cried the captain, in ringing tones, and while the words were yet upon his ae there came an answering sig- al off the starboard-bow, another off the starboard- quarter, and still another a short distance astern, — = ve § heaven! we are in for it now, with Britishers shead, abeam and astern of us. That fellow on our oe? ged has toa rounded the point of land yonder,” and Captain Davenport turned, for a moment not knowing what to do in the great danger that threat- ened him. “They are would be sunk the pong quietly remarked Colonel Moncrief. ' “Yes, I fear we are dished; but were there no and we with me I would beach my ship, escape ' disappoint the English; but 1 eannot give up the ship, yet.” ; fo the fan d, and thus ene er een OA erent nT Sarr, erste, ASUS, a hter Violeta thinks she recog- - all heavy vessels, captain, b their ‘nétal did we attempt to run Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. “Are there no harbors upon the coast to which you can run?” asked Don Octavio, quickly. “Yes, there are several inlets there, off our star- board-beam, but we have no, pilot, and it would be madness to make the attempt; but I must act and at once— Ha! what have we here? By all that’s glorious—”’ _“Clipper ship, ahoy!’’ suddeniy pealed forth a ringing voice, that interrupted the words of Captain Davenport, and at the same moment there hovered above the decks of the Sea-Slipper clouds of snowy canvas, while the rush of the wind through cordage and rigging sounded like the roar of the surf upon the beach. “The Flying Yankee! The Flying Yankee!” cried a dozen voices, while Captain Davenport in tones slightly tremulous, cried: ** Ahoy! the schooner!” **You are surrounded by British cruisers, and have but one chance of escape,” cried the same ringing voice that had hailed, and which cut through the noise of the storm, although the schooner was a ca- ble’s length distant off the port-beam. “‘ And that is—?”’ asked Captain Davenport through his trumpet, while his crew and passengers, in awe- stricken silence, awaited in breathless eagerness the reply. R Rig a light in one of your lifeboats; set the boat adrift, wear ship imm tely after, tad out every lantern on board, and follow in the wake of the Fly- Yankee.” 6 orders were clear; all on board heard them, and ere the captain could say a word his men sprun to obey. In a moment’s time a lifeboat was lowe over the lee-quarter into the sea, having two battle- lanterns swung on spars in the stem and stern. At the same instant the Sea-Slipper wore round quickly, in obedience to an order from Captain Da- venport, and, a moment after, was dashing poetry Bo the wake of the schooner, which had put about im- mediately upon seeing that the instructions given would be obeyed. Swiftly before the storm rushed the ship, leaving far behind the “‘decoy’’ she had left to deceive the British cruisers, which were gradually drawing to- warda common center to hem in the American ves- sel that they were so anxious tec make a prize. In the meantime a change had come over the is ing Yankee, for no longer was she covered with sail, but under close-reefed canvas, was hastening on to- ward the point of land, which, though not visible, was known to be but a few miles away. Upon the clipper’s decks all was a scene of ae phe excitement, for well each one knew their ate hung by a slender thread, and that capture, per- er, 47 they could not banish from their thoughts a slight tinge of superstition, which they all knew ont possessed the uneducated seamen, who were decided- y unnerved by the presence of the spectral-looking craft, that glided along so swiftly ahead of their own ves: Glancing astern, as the ship bowled merrily along, Captain Davenport was delighted to observe, by the lights of note g “Deena ecb that they were dra ‘toward the spot where the life-boat had been left, with anchor attached to a heavy cable wh over to hold it steady, evidently believing the lights oA re on ne schooner, which was lying-to to await eir coming. “They are fooled nicely, and will be as mad as a nest of hornets, when they arrive at the decoy and find out their mistake,’ said the captain, speaking aloud the thoughts that were in every mind. . “Yes, it has fooled them, captain, and why should it not, for the devil would lead a saint astray,’’ put in the mate, in a disconsolate tone, for he fully believed that the helm of the schooner was guided by his Satanic majesty. “Conover you are a fool.” ** Yes, Captain Davenport,” responded the mate. ** Yes, for do you not see that the schooner is run by mor hands?” P No, I do not see anything of the kind; we saw that craft to-day, and then lost sight of her, I hoped forever; but, here, in the midst of this storm, she suddenly comes upon us, and lo! we obey her orders, for it is not in the power of man to resist the com- mands of her skipper.” “ Skipper! 0, in the devil’s name, do you be- lieve him to be?” almost angrily asked the captain. | “You have named him, sir; yonder schooner is commanded by the evil one. gene if you will, but did ou not see she was crowded with canvas when she frst came upon us, and when we again looked, she was under bare poles almost; and yet flies away Se whe Sea-Slipper fe a bird Pas i re ‘ r see, yonder she goes, rus rig’ own upon a lee ahére, and the night as dark asa er’s face, and here we go right on in her wake like—” Ly Why, Mr. Conover, you ree to be very supersti- tious. Do you not ow the Flying Yankee has proven the friend of Americans?” asked the sweetly modulated voice of Eve El : friend to all sinners.” the devil is a clined to be complimentary, Mr. Con- I must for do you not see eee Be soi is dropping us rapidly and the ca astern manner that gave the mate to understand he desired | no more ; ‘Ha! they are letting out the secret on yonder old liner, for see, there go her signals to tell their com- rades the bird has flown,” exclaimed Captain Daven- port, a moment after, as he saw a bright rocket soar eavenward from the deck of the frigate, that had approached near enough to the decoy to observe the es practiced. “Yes, and I believe we will escape through the agency of our mysterious pilot—hark!” and, as Colo- nel Moncrief spoke, above the roar of the storm re- sounded a strange crashing, pealing, moaning sound, commingled, while from the forecastle rung the startling cry, “* Breakers off the port bow!” *“My God, have we followed to our ruin?” ex- claimed the captain, springing to the wheel. ** Breakers t the starboard bow!” ‘Where! here is the schooner?” ‘*We are lost! Oh, Heaven have mercy!” The cries of fright, of despair, were heard fore and aft the ship, for superstition held control over the minds of the brave seamen, who now doubted not but that they had been following a phantom ship with a phantom crew, and in dismay the captain knew not what course to pursue, when, suddenly, a lurid light burst forth like a meteor, dead ah of the pees and but a few cable lengths distant, and the , beautiful schooner, spectralin grace and appear- ance, was revealed, gliding along into a narrow gorge or inlet of the land, while upon either side owered wooded hights, whose base was washed b the mad waters that broke upon them and rebound- ed with terrific force and a wild roar. “Behold! the Flying Yankee is still our friend; she leads the way !”’ cried Colonel Moncrief, with glad surprise, and every heart aboard the Sea-Slipper bounded with glad surprise, for they could see they were being led into a haven of safety, though it wag i a most dangerous channel. ; Still burned the lurid light on the schooner, shed- ding ot glare over the waters through which the Sea-S: pper had yet to come, while the hull and rigging of the strange vessel appeared enveloped in : the same misty cloud that seemed to hang around her in all her ocean wanderings. Upon the decks of the Flying Yankee could be sees a hundred white-clad forms, with the mask of crim- son, looking most weird-like and ghastly in the oe liar glare and the shadows of the overhan bluffs; but undaunted, the brave commander of the Sear Slipper stood on, with a perfect confidence in his pa} e, until his own vessel was overhung by the wooded banks of the inlet, which was hardly more than a hundred yards wide, A few moments more of slow but steady sailing, and suddenly the high cliffs sloped away to a sandy beach, the channel rapidly widened, and again the Sea-Slipper was in the open waters, for she had been ded through an inlet that broke, river-like, across e narrow point of land which jutted from the main far out into the Gulf, ‘ had the Sea-Slipper gained an offing from the inlet, when, with a blaze of blinding b cy, that lit np earth, sea, and sky, there came a sudden midnight gloom, and when the strained eyes of the clipper’s crew regained their accustomed sight, the Flying Yankee had peg ha ey ut she had guided the ship to safety, had saved those on board of her from capture, perhaps death, and with thankful hearts the crew sprung to work, and soon the ee barque was heading Gulfward, leaving far behind her the disappointed British cruisers, an¢ the mysterious schooner that had been theirsavior, | CHAPTER XIX, THR BATTLE FOR THE PRIZE. Tuar all on board the Sea-Slipper were impressed by their mysterious deliverance from the English cruisers, Was ce , and a thorough feeling of su- perstition had taken possession of the crew, for in no way could they reason themselves into the belief that the 2 as ankee was a mortal craft. f Toward aylieht on the night of the Sea-Slipper’s escape, the gale blew itself out, settling down to a g y six-knot breeze, that drove the gallant vessel fe rapidly toward the haven for which she was und, During the day the pes spent most of their time on deck, and between Don Guido and Colonel Moncrief, Eve and Violeta, there sprung yo a warm feeling of friendship, which promised to drive away by weg intercourse the monotony of their sea-voy- age, if the still threatening them, and the excitement of the commencement of their cruise, constantly the sub ject of conversation. lene The hours of ques passed swiftly by, and night, clear and starlit, settled upon the still restless waters, dotted only By, the canvas of the Sea-Slipper, which, under easy , was making seven knots, when other vessels would hardly have logged five. “ Sail, ho 7}? Passengers and crew all started at the hail from the maintop, and listened attentively to the reply to Captain Davenport’s ‘‘Whereaway, and what do you make of her?” : ‘She is crossing our wake, sir; a brig-of-war, as well as I can make hér out.” “Yes, I see her now; ho, aloft! turn your night- glass upon her, and report every movement.”’ : ‘ ay, sir; she has changed her course, and is in full chase of us,” came the answer, after a pause. ** All hands to crowd sail! i. me every rag that will catch a breath of wind. rigging — mother’s son of you, for see ye not there’s a overhauling the Bea’slipper.” the ; dain tae by the terse, cranes ee of bse cap e crew sprung uty; like a ey ran into the P Sad soon had every st of canvas that would draw set upon the ship, which continued. could feel monotony with the dangers — 4:93 ‘ ‘ at . = Val Nel sd ila
Page 15
———EE————— ly q x aes ) yh ae each moment to increase her speed beneath the fields of white duck that crowded her straining spars. “* Now jump to the guns; double-shot al! of them, and await my orders,” again cried Captain Daven- ort, as the crew descended to the deck. So quick ad been the movements of the men, so rapid the orders, that the Sea-Slipper had been crowded with sail and her men were at quarters in ten minutes after the discovery of the vessel astern. But in vain the endeayor of the aid to keep ahead of her pursuer, for steadily and swiftly she came on, following directly in the Sea-Slipper’s foaming wake with the persistency of a dog on a trail. “This will not do—she will run over us at this rate. All hands into the rigging! suddenly yelled the cap- tain, and turning to his mate, he continned: ‘**The Sea-Slipper must be put upon her best point of sailing, Mr. Conover—directly before the wind— stand ready to obey.” A moment more and the orders rung out, clear and loud, and penens her course the gallant ship stood away before the breeze. But all to no purpose, for the strange craft as quickly changed her course, and as silently and as rapidly as before overhauled the Sea-Slipper, until but a hundred fathoms separated the two vessels. “That craft sails like the Flying Yankee, or—the devil!’ cried Captain Davenport, and ere the words had left his lips there came a quick, stern hail: “Ship, ahoy!”’ ** Ahoy the brig!’ answered Captain Daven’ rt, after a moment’s hesitation, for the speed of his pursuer filled him with the greatest surprise. “Is that the clipper ship that sailed from Mobile harbor yesterday morning?’’ came the query in the same clear tones “Ay, ay, sir; the American clipper ship Sea-Slip- per, bound from Mobile to Havana—John avenport commander,’’ replied the commander, with seaman- like precision. “All right! Captain Davenport, there are two British men-of-war, a ship of the line and a sloop-of- war, lying in wait for you to the southward, so I ad- vise you to head for the eastward and shape your course as far out in the Gulf as possible. Good- night. sir.”’ “a ‘Thank you, sir! What brig is that?’ answered the captain, but no reply came, as the commander of the brig was heard giving a few quick orders, while the vessel suddenly came closer aoa the wind, shook out more sails, and rapidly glided abroad, leaving the astonished captain of the Sea- Slipper, and his still more amazed crew silent with wonder at their fleet craft being outsailed by a brig- of-war. ee “* Ahoy! what brig is that?” oe hailed a be Davenport; but silence followed his words, and ina few minutes more the two vessels were a long way apart, the merchantman standing a little more to the eastward, while the sea-warrior, still to wind- ward, dashed away on a southerly course, “Well, if my late experience at sea is not a mar- vel, may I never get into port! First we are over- hauled by a schooner that sails like the wind, and may have, for all I know, connection with the devil; then a brig of war pursues, overtakes and passes the Sea-Slipper as though she were a lugger and not the fleetest clipper ship afloat,”’ and with a puzzled look the captait of the merchantman paced to and fro his quarter-deck. “You need not feel hurt, captain, because the Sea- Slipper could not ae ahead of yonder craft, for she is one of the fleetest war-vessels in the American navy,” said Colonel Moncrief, who with Eve upon his arm had narrowly eyed the brig. MO geo say 80; but you know her then, col- one ”’ , 7 ‘Yes; it was the American brig-of-war Vulture.” “Indeed! Sheis a gallant craft, and her officers and crew were tried men and true, from all accounts; and, now I think of it, there is a romance hanging over the Vulture’s career—”’ “Yes; but of that, captain} we will not speak more, for a painful memory to me; and to Miss El- dred here, hangs over the history of yonder vessel- of-war,” said Colonel Moncrief, with deep feeling. ‘** Your pardon, colonel; I now recall one of your name who was an officer On board of her. Believe me I had no intention to wound—”’ ‘Well, I know that, captain; he of whom you 6 was my son, but we will now let the past bury its dead,” and turning quickly, Colonel Moncriéf walked away, leaving the captain pained at thought that he had unintentionally wounded the feelings of two 4 his passengers, for whom he felt so high a regard. ; n hour more passed, and nowhere over the waters was a sail visible, for the brig had disappeared ina haze that overhung the sea to windward, Tired at length with their stay upon deck, the Sea- Glipper’s passengers were about to retire to their comfortable cabin, when the look-out’s voice was - again heard from aloft, and from a heavy bank of fog that had drifted down from windward, came the tall masts ahd large hull of a line-of-battle aie. “An Englishman, as I live! let her fall off, helms- man. There, as I breathe, is another one! Why. the Britishers are as thick in these waters as half- breeds in Mexico; but we are bowling merrily along, and if those fellows catch us it will be after a long . gtern chase,” and the captain rubbed his hands in Jelight at having a few miles start of his enemies, if to be. Such the; ‘his. aoe not long in doubt, for, after a chase. passed, the clipper steadily ,ain- Ap Dayenport was eknavetalsting hin: ¢ \ ape, when an unlucky shot from the > ating frigate carried away his bow-— The Flying Yankee. sprit close to the deck, and another shot from the other shivered the wheel to atoms, killing the men that held it, and slightly wounding the mate, Instantly the ear ie toa lost steerageway, and her bows swung round into the wind, ‘* By Heaven! these wounds are mortal to the good ship now; hit fore and aft at the same time.” ‘Here, men, remove these poor fellows, and then up and take in sail, for the Sea-Slipper has lost her heel and toe, and we are in for it,” called out Captain Davenport. Alarmed by the confusion on deck the passengers the next moment rushed from the cabin, to behold with dismay two large English frigates rushing down upon their prey. “Ha, what have we there?” suddenly exclaimed the unfortunate captain, as there suddenly came a flash of flame, a roar, and from the course in which they had been sailing before brought to by the un- lucky shots, “The American brig! Three cheers, my men; and now, three cheers more, for yonder is her com: rade, a full-fledged frigate in her wake! Now my British bull-dogs, you will have to fight for your bone!” cried the captain of the Sea-Slipper, almost beside himself with joy at the turn fortune was tak- ing in his favor, oming up to windward on short and rapid tacks, the brig and frigate, suddenly appearing upon the scene, were opens merrily from their guns upon the two English line-of-battle ships that had been hastening down upes their prize until warned of danger by a shot from the brig. . Instantly calling their entire crews to quarters, they reduced sail, and boldly advanced to meet their enemies, who, though much their inferior in size, were at least strong enough to give them considera- ble hard work to gain over them a victory, Drifting slowly away to leeward, the Sea-Slipper was out of immediate range of the fire, and her decks were crowded with her crew and passengers, eagerly watching the sea combat, and praying for success to fall ps the two plucky American vessels who so bravely had confronted adversaries far from equal in guns and men, Each moment the combat became more terrible, the guns flashed more rapidly and with more omin- ous roar; the shot shrieked exultingly through the air, the wind whistled mournrully through the rig- ing, and the crash of timbers, the cries of the com- Batants, the groans of the wounded, and dash of the waters commingled, as the contest became closer and more desperate. } In dismay, infolded in each other's arms, with Don Guido and Colonel Moncrief graspihg the hand of each, Violeta and Eve stood gazing in silence upon the awful scene, sublime in its terror, while near by stook Captain Davenport, eagerly watching every move of the combatants. “Behold! the smaller frigate is on fire!” suddenly cried Don Guido, and as he spoke, flame after flame burst up from the decks of one of the English ves- sels, sending a lurid glare out over the waters, while, - wid Senaing forth an angry roar from pee guns she a helpless mass upon the sea, ing an fillin, at the Tnercy of the wind, for her helmsman had deserted his post. But, undismayed by the fate of its comrade, the other sea-warrior still continued the battle, pouring renewed fire upon the brig, which had drawn quite near her, and then above the roar of all arose an- onthe bal ! the brig is going down!” ‘The br & bri ng It was ton true; the orig was indeed sinking, but be her crew were boldly fighting her guns in her dy- ng Sgony. 5 ‘Man the boats, men! We must not idly ] while there are lives to save!” cried Captain Daven- port, and a few moments after five boats left the side of the Sea-Slipper, and while two rowed toward the burning frigate, three went to the aid of the brig, The light from the burning vessel made the sea as bright as noonday, and those on board the Sea-Slip- per saw several boatloads leave the unfortunate shi and row toward the other Englishman, which st fought her remaining American adversary with the strongest determination to conquer or share her companion’s fate; also they saw the brig sink lower and lower, until, with a mighty plunge, she sunk beneath the waters, leaving her crew struggling in so mad vortex left by her descent into the depths elow. Anxiously all watched the return of the boats, crowded with the survivors, and then their eyes once more sought the burning frigate, which, enveloped in flames, was slowly borne away before the wind, her heated guns ever and anon pouring forth their mournful notes of woe, as they mingled with the fierce notes of the still-battling American and Eng- lish frigates. ; Hardly had the boats returned, Leary ed with them all the survivors of the brig, and those from the burning ship who had not mune aboard their consort when, with an explosion that momentarily silenced the noise of battle, and caused thesea to fairly quake with the concussion, the gallant frigate, still wrapped in fiery splendor, was blown into atoms, and for an instant or the sudden plunge of heavy timber cannon, and mayhap human forms, was heard, an then the silence of death reigned amid a darkness that was tangible. Boom! boom! crash! crash! and again the battle was opened, the American frigate resuming the com- bat with ter earnestness, as if to avenge the loss of the big, ¥ while, doubtless with the same motive for vengeance, the English man-of-war once more directed her guns upon her foe, and again the flashes of the b. des illumined the sea, while those on board the Sea-Slipper gazed on with far differing feelings, for those rescued from the Englishman ook on | Bi hoped success would light on their flag, and those that had formed the crew and passengers of the merchantman, as well as the survivors from the brig, prayed for the stars and stripes to conquer. Thus, one and all beheld the grand but terrible sight, and awaited with stilled hearts the issue, that would bring joy or despair to either English or Americans, CHAPTER XX. AN UNEXPECTED FOE. Firercer and fiercer grew the combat; louder and louder roared the guns; wader and wilder resound. ed the cheers of the American and English crews as the contest continued, and the interested pore from the decks of the Sea-Slipper feared the tw frigates would bodily sink each other, ere cither one would strike his colors; but no, the American vesse smaller in size as well as weaker in guns and men, a length was observed to become unmanageable, and the next moment fell off so that her powerful ad- versary raked her decks from stern to bow, for her rudder had. been shot away, A few murderous discharges from the guns of the +, ramen and then, in stentorian tones, came the ail: * Do you strike?” “We are helpless—I surrender the ship!” an- swered a seamanlike voice from the American’s decks, and a loud cheer broke forth from the En- lish rigate, and was echoed by their comrades upon e Sea-Slipper. A cheer that suddenly turned into a wail—a cry, loud orders, a clash of small-arms, as suddenly out of the sulphurous smoke of combat appeared the shadowy outlines of a vessel, that with wonderful skill was brought alongside the towering hull of the victorious frigate, and more than a hun- eee white forms clambered upon her blood-stained ec 8. Taken by eer, unable to account for the sud- den and mysterious appearance of the schooner, and believing wholly in the supernatural, the frigate’s crew was driven pell-mell across the decks ere the slightest resistance was offered to their strange f who were headed by a tall form, armed with swo and pistols, that dealt death mercilessly around him, *On! on! my men! Cut down every man who re- sists!’’ cried the leader, in ringing tones, and once more he sprung into the midst of the English crew. who had now begun to rally beneath the orders their officers. But in vain their resistance, for, unable to with- stand the terrible onslaught, they were driven aft to the quarter-deck, their own guns were turned upon them, and at length the brave het Papen who, a few moments before, was sport eé surrender of a conquered enemy, was compelled to haul down his ensign to a man that had vanquished him upon his own decks! “Tam Sir Edgar De Lacey, and this is his British majesty’s line-of-battle-ship Pocahontas, To whom do I surrender my sword, sir?’’ said the vanquished Englishman, Loe Seg forward, and gazing upon the crimson-masked face of his conqueror. The victor tried to speak, his hand was outstretched but, with a low moan, he staggered forward and would have fallen, had he not been caught in the arms of Commodore Cutting, wlio had that moment come on board from his ship, to see the cause of dis- turbance on the Englishmen, whose large hull and neary rigging had concealed the schooner from his view. “God above! Noel Moncrief!”” ejaculated the as- tonished commodore, as he tore the mask from the face of the wounded man and recognized the faint- form in his arms, At the request of the English officer he bore Noel into the spacious cabin and laid him upon a lounge, when the surgeon was sum- moned to attend him, for he was wouhded severely in the side, : The next moment Lieutenant Muriel dashed into the cabin, exclaiming: ‘What! Captain Noel dead?” _ “No, he is severely wounded; are you his lieuten- ant?” answered Sir Edgar De Lacey. Tam, sir; you will surrender your sword to if you Eee haughtily but politely returned the young Spaniard, as he removed from his face ita silken covering, “May I ask the name of your schooner and the commander that has taken a‘ship of the line?” “Certainly, sir; it is the craft known as the mr ing Yankee, and this gentleman lying here is Capt. Noel, her commander,” Without a word the English officer surrendered his sword, which Muriel, taking, immediately returned to its owner with a light compliment; and then, noes to Commodore Cutting, who stood near, said: “T believe you are the commanding officer of the squadron that engaged this vessel?” ‘I am Commodore Cutting, sir, and the frigate alongside is my flag-ship.” “You will then be kind enough to take command of this prize, and with your permission I will now py Captain Noel on board his own vessel, and e , Not so fast, young man, for this gentleman is too seriously wounded to be moved, and besides he shall no longer dodge the reward of his numerous gallant services to | government, now that it is known that Noel Moncrief and the commander of the famous Flying Yankee are one and the same.” ‘Yes, Commodore Cutting, I am Noel Monerief, the Ocean Rover,” suddenly in the stern voice of the wounded man, and turning qui at the words, Ve beheld that he had — ee i his unconsciousness and was_ com mandéey figmly in the face. oe pags Re ra a or Te Aas oe eal Dt te Meee 1st has. te Pf nt. SUID als oe Pe ays
Page 16
i6 be My noble boy! Gladly do I welcome you back into the service of your country—”’ ** Hold! Commodore Cutting! Have you forgotten T fled my land, Cain-accursed—"’ “My God! have you not heard that your brother recovered, and—”’ “ Great God, I thank Thee! I am not then a very Cain,” and Noel buried his head in the silken cush- ions of his couch. “No, Noel; Clarence recovered wholly from his wound, and, chastened by his afflictions, he banished himself from the world and became a priest of the church of Rome, while your father and his ward are now near by, for they sailed from Mobile in the Sea- oe gait which was the cause of our desperate com- bat with our brave foe heve.” “God, again I thank thee!’ once more murmured the happy man, who so long had been a wanderer, rey a eg Sag he believed. Beckoning the English commander and Her- nando Muriel to follow him, Commodore Cutting as- cended to the deck and gave orders for the disposi- tion of the English crews and care of the wounded; after which he made known to Sir Edgar and the oung Spaniard the strange story of Noel Moncrief’s fe, a story which the et lieutenant of the gts Yankee heard for the time, for of his past Noe. had never spoken. ‘ His life indeed has been a strange romance, and of startling interest, and I now wonder not at his earnest desire to remain incognito, though servin America with wonderful skill and energy,”’ remarke the English nobleman, who, then turning suddenly toward Muriel, continued: “‘ Lieutenant, the carcer of your vessel has been overhung with mystery, and if not asking too much I would beg you to answer several puzzling questions.” . “Ay, ay, young sir; explain, may it Meare you, how it was you made even educated minds believe in a@ supernatural yy Aiea the destiny of your beautiful craft,” said Commodore Cutting, with in- po hed gazing into the manly face of the young ollicer, “Assuredly, gentlemen, I will explain, for mystery whe ee inh . har d kn the Flyi “The ¢ ere, ani own as the ng Yankee, was once fhe schooner Red Wi he “Ha! the resemblance between the two is now dis- closed,”’ exclaimed Commodore Outting. “Yes, sir; the Red Wing of the Mexican service formerly and the Flying Yankee are the same schooner, which, when Captain Noel—Moncrief, I be- lieve, is his true name—resigned from the service of the Mexicans, he metamorphosed into the present weird-looking craft, which he at once ran under his private colors, and made war upon England.” “A terrible foe Be ueowed, too, and one whose deeds would win him an admiral’s commission on our side of the water; but the mystery of his being able to carry his poles envelo in canvas sufficient to run under a ship of the line—explain that, please, lieu- peace ag. and the Englishman seemed deeply inter- ested, “Th ‘s easy of explanation, sir, and I will give you due? demonstration of the circumstance, as it now is nearly sunrise. Ho! the Flying Yankee!” and the clear voice of the young officer rung out sharp in the crisp morning. “Ay, ay, sir!” answered the voice of Mr, Hart from the schooner, which was lying-to, a cable’s length from the frigate. “*Get out your mask sails on the schooner,” “Ay, ay, sir!’ came the response, and almost im- mediately a perfect network of sails was put upon the beautiful yessel, so closely woven as at a short distance to resemble real canvas, and cause one to ne the schooner was really spread with white uc%x, “Tsee, I see! Remarkable indeed. Lieutenant, your commander is a wonderful man,” “So we all think, Sir Edgar,’’ modestly replied Muriel, while the American commodore put in: “But the smoke and spectral ight that always Pig rs your craft when seen either by night or y, sir?’ * Kasily explained, commodore. We were in the habit of burning bright lights that cast a reflection rey colored glass, and the smoke we manufac- tured by burning wool that had been dampened and laced in iron vessels on various parts of the decks, hese tricks, added to our network sails, the won- derful speed of the schooner, our men clothed in white, and with their faces hidden beneath crimson masks, rendered us, doubtless, a most spectral and scare-to-death craft and crew,” and the young Span- iard laughed lightly. ** Indeed it did, and I for one am glad to know the secret, and trebly glad to welcome back to the na Noel Moncrief, who shall command his schooner, if he recover, and God grant he may, with his brave men, and no longer be an ocean rover, but an hon- ored officer of the United States navy. But time flies, and there is much fer us to do, so, Sir Edgar, you will oblige me by retaining command of your ves- sel, temporarily repairing damages, and following me back to Mobile, to which port the Flying Yankee. under command of her gallant lieuenant here, mus Jead the way.” A few hours more, the, four vessels, with the Fly- ing Yankee leading, the Sea-Slipper in her wake. and the two frigates following, \got'under weigh and the day after Soopped anchor off the city of Mobile. ‘Shortly after the Mon was conveyed on board the Flying Yan- kee at his urgent request, for he was not as serious- ly wounded as all had at first su and reclin- silken cushions in his luxurious cabin, at- and his warm anchors had been let fall, Noel | The Flying Yankee. Commodore Cutting had sent him word that he would come to see him, bringing with him those whom the wounded officer would chimes | love to see. “The commodore’s barge is approaching, sir, and I recognize in the stern-sheets Captain Ainslie and Lieutenant Bernard,” said West, as he gazed from the stern port. “‘Thank God they escaped from the brig!” mur- mured Noel. ‘Yes, sir, they were rescued by the boats of the ie er ship; but here they come,” announced the faithful boatswain. Need I dwell upon the meeting between father and son—the meeting between Noel and Eve Eldred—the warm greeting of the wounded hero from Commo- dore Cutting, Alden Ainslie and Calvin Bernard—the Sto sie and delighted welcome of Don Guido and the lovely Violeta? No, kind reader, let me draw a vail over that scene of joy, and hasten on to a denouement of strange and startling interest, that took place there in that cabin, when Don Guido and Lieutenant Muriel met face to face. Years agone they had well known each other; ay, more—Don Muriel, the father of the young lieu- tenant, had fallen in a duello with, and by the hand of, Don Octavio; and yet, when their children grew to man’s and woman’s estate, Hernando and Violeta dared to love each other, and for such crime, as the son of Don Octavio and brother of Violeta called it, Muriel was challenged by the young Octavio, who determined to make him answer with his life for daring to love his sister. Muriel possessed a noble nature, and knowing that his father had been wrong in the duel that had cost him his life, he was willing to forgive and forget, es- pecially when the beauteous Violeta was the object - a idolatry, and he fain would have spared her rother, But, unlike his father, a reckless, dissipated man, governed wholly by his ve sgpeecmg the young Oc- tavio determined to be satisfied only with the life of his supposed enemy, and had dared him to meet him. plese met; Muriel slew the brother of Violeta, and, realizing fully his banishment from her presence, he fled from his native land, to become leagued with a band of buccaneers, until the offer df Noel Moncrief made him an officer, fighting beneath the Mexican | | flag. Pe nietherink well the circumstances that caused Muriel to fly from his native land, both Don Octavio Guido and Violeta were yet of a most forgiving na- ture; they readily forgot the past, thought only of the noble qualities of the young man, and received him once more into their affections, Through the instrumentality of Commodore Cut- ting, a pardon was readily obtained for Noel, for the crime of sla ng his supsrior officer, and also for Westley North, in consideration of the valuable ser- vices he had rendered to the government and coun- ah oe the United States, aving recovered from his wound, Noel once again assumed command, with the rank of captain of the Flying Yankee, which, with her old officers and crew upon her decks, spread her white wings and flew away in search of new dangers, until the close of hostilities between the United States and England caused her sharp prow to_be turned homeward where Noel Moncrief and Muriel Mendez, the real name of the young Spaniard, found a warm welcome awaiting them from Eve and Violeta, whom shortly after, etl led to the altar,.to be irrevocably bound together in the holy bonds of matrimony, s for the Flying Yankee, she yepame a pleasure acht, Noel having converted her to such, appointing estly North her commander, and her severest du- ties consisted in carrying the young officer, with his beautiful wife and Colonel Moncrief, to Cuha, to pass a part of the cold winters at the magnificent planta- tion home of Don Muriel Mendez and Violeta, while, at the commencement of the warm summer days the fieet craft would have as passengers, northwa bound, her former lieutenant, his Cuban bride, and Don Octavio, Then in the old baronial halls of Moncrief Manor were wont to gather merry parties, among whom, outside the family circle, were recognizable Commo- dore Cutting, Alden Ainslie, and Calvin Bernard, all of ia rejoiced in the happiness of their old ship- mate. One other was there also, who was wont, once a year, to visit Moncrief Mansion and pass afew days—a mild-faced man, upon whom the seal of sorrow had | fallen with hea and, chastening and subduing the fiery heart within. That man was Clarence Moncrief, weari the eg of a Pegs No ae poe? ang gee fore self from the world, and forgiven rother wit true Christian spirit, had devoted himself to a life of toil and ag seen his Brrateet 307 pele his yearly visit to the home of his boyhood, where he was wont to pass the greater part of his time in rambling amid the forest trees, with the children of Noel and Eve his constant companions. THE END. Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. BY T, J. FLANAGAN, 909 Midshipman Dare, the Pirate Catcher. 925 e poeng, Cowboy Captain. 988 ane Two Midshipmen; or, The Corsair-Clhaser’s First Cc f 949 The Three Lieutenants 969 The Maseot M BUFFALO BILL NOVELS, BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM. 1018 Buffalo Kill’. T. xas ‘Po am. 1007 Kaffalo Bills Sure-Shota, 1006 Batfalo is:li’'s Decoy Koya, 995 Buffalo BiL’s Drop; or, Dead-Shot Ned, the Kansas Kid. 988 Buffalo BLI'’s Lasso Throwers. 981 Buttalo Bill's Fighting Five. 975 Butfalo Bill's Rifle Shots, 968 Kutfalo Bills Kush Ride; or, Sure-Shot, the High-Flyer. 964 Buffalo BUPs Decoy 3 or, The Arizona Crack Shot, 95s Buffalo Bill's Mazeppa-Chase. 948 Buffalo Bills Snap-Shot ¢ or, Wild Kid’s Texan Tally 942 Buffalo Bill’« Tough Tussle. 986 Buffalo Bills Boy Maxcot; or, Joe Jarvis’ Hold-up. 929 Buffalo Bill's Crack-shot Pard,. 650 Buffalo Bill's Boy Pard; or, Butterfly Billy, 216 Bison Bill, the Prince of the Rema, 222 Bison BIW's« Clue: or. Grit, the Bravo Sport, BY BUFFALO BILL. 55 Deadly-Eye. the Unknown Sccut; or, The Banded Brotherhood 68 Border Robin Hood; or, The Prairie Rover, 158 Faney Frank of Colorado: or, The Trapper’s Trost. BY CAPT. ALFRED B, TAYLOR, U. 5, A. 191 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker, 194 Buffalo Bills Bets or, The Gambler Guide, BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 982 New York Nat's Drop: or, Ex-Ferret Sykes’ Bold Game 926 New York Nat and the ‘Traitor Ferret. 920 New York Nat Trapped. 914 New York Nat's ‘Three of a Kind. 908 New York Nat’*« Double. 902 New York Nat’« In Colorado, 896 New York Nat in Gold Nugget Camp. 889 New York Nat’ Deadly Deal, 888 New York Nat’s Crook-Chase, STZ New York Nat’« Trump Card. 87L New York |Nat and the Grave Ghouls. 865 New York Nat’« Masked Mascot. 859 New York Nat, the Gamin Detective. oer pice Room pldnapper Knock-Out. ¢ oom’s Ten Strike, 842 Dick Doom’s Flush Hand. 772 Wick Doom’« Denth-Grip; or, The Detective by Destiny, 77 Dick Doom’a Destiny; or, The River Blackleg’s Terror. 784 Dick Doom; or. ! he Sharpe and Sharks of New York. so pk Boom i Bacto or, A Man of Many Maska, « oom in Chicago. " 798 Dick Doom in the Wild Weat. aoe Piek prewe Clear ray eep; or, Five Links in a Clue, e oom’*« Dea ue. ais pick peewt Pjomond Det ec oom’a Gir ascot. S85 Dick Doome Hie Neale ¢ oom’ns oul, 749 Dashing Phavites ot The Kentucky Tenderfoot’s First Trali. 756 Dashing Charlic’s Destiny; or, The Renegade’s Captive, 760 Dashing Charlies Pawnee Pard. 766 Dashing Charlie, the Rescuer, 497 Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys. BT Buck Taylor, the fomanche’s Captive. 748 Buck Taylor's Boyt or, The Red Rivers ot the Rio Grande, 560 Pawnee Bll, the Prairie Shadower. Z18 Pawnee Bill; or, Carl, the Mad Cowboy. oe denne ae 1 ledges Bo Cowboy's Doom, awnee : or, Daring Dick, 692 Redfern’s Curtowa Caner o, The Rival Sharps. 69% Kedtern at Devil’s Kanehy or, The Sharp from Texas, 702 Redtern’s High Mand; or, Blue Jacket. OT Redfern’s Laat Trail: or, The Red Sombrero Rangers. And Fitty Others, BY LIEUT, A. K, SIMS. B89 Tom-Cat and Pard; or, The Dead Set at Silver City. 622 Tom-Cat’s Triads or, Vhe Affuir at Tombstone, 681 Tom Cat’s Terrible Task; or, The Contos Decechieas 688 Tom-Cat’s Led sapr| ay or, Black Dun’s Gyeni Combine. 646 Captain Cactur, the Chaparral Cock; or, Josh’s Ten Strike 5668 The Dandy of Dodge; or, Rustling jor Millions, 676 The Silver Sport: or, Josh Peppermint’s Jubilee, 688éSaffron Sol, the Man With a Shadow : 601 Happy Hana, the Dutch Videcg; or, Hot Timesat Roind-Up 611 Biland Barnacle, the Detective Herenles. 646 Cowboy Gid, the Cattle-Range Detective, 657 Warbling W fllam. the Mountain Mountebank, 665 Jolly Jereminhy the Plains Detective. 676 Signal Sam, the Lookout Scout. 689 Rilly, the Gypsy Spy: or, The Mystery of Two Lives, 699 Bimple Sim, the Tronsho Buater: or. For Big Stakes, 712 The Meameriat Sport; or, The Mystified Detective, 35 Toltee Tom, the Mad Prospector, 45 Kanaaa Jim, the Cross-Cut Detective, 761 Marmaduke, the Mustanger Detective, it | The Rustler of Rolling Stone, TRS ne Hand Joe the Committee of One. 801 Kent Kirby, the Hign-Kicker from Killbuck. The Doctor Dete etive in Texan. S72 Two Showmen letectives In Colorado. 987 The Texan Firebrand or, Brazos Billy’s Snap,Shot, 961 The Tramp’s Trump-Trick. NEW ISSUES, 1028 The Cowboy Clan in Cuba. By Col P. Ingraham,] 1024 Dandy Bick, Detective, By Robert R. Inman, 1025 The Flying Yankee; or, The Ocean Outcast. By Col, P. Ingrabam, 1026 The Three Spotters. By Marcus H. Warring. 1027 The Cowboy Raiders in Ouba — By Cal. Ingraham. 1028 The Young Skipper’s Bonanza. By Harold Payne, 1029 The PhantemfSpy. By Buffalo Bill. JUST ISSUED. 1016 The Boy Bugler in Cuba; or, The Cowboy Clan On Deck, By Col. P. Ingraham, 17 De'ective Ma’t’« Man-Hunt} or, Downing the Des- - pei Dozen. By Ned St, Meyer. ort 1018 Deadwood Dies, J .’s, Big Four. By E. L. Whoeler 1019 Burd Bayard’s Close Call. By Capt. Hawthorne, 1020 Barn y Blake, the Boy Privateer, By H. Johnstone. 1021 Doctor Pau’, 9 tective, By Leon Lewis. { 1022 Dare Sloan’s Close Call. By Maj. Dangertield Burr, | A New Issue Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library ‘s for sale by all newsdealers, fve @onta por copy, or sent by mail on receipt of siz conts each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 92 William Street, New York.